Colins a by-blow, he said without hesitation. Ramsay was the legitimate heir.

Tina realized she should have guessed the reason, and it struck her forcefully that Ram would have had a most compelling motivation for eliminating Alex fifteen years ago.

Angus said, A damn good thing, as it turned out Colin gettin himself crippled an all.

Blood of God, had Angus and Ram conspired to make Hotspur the Lord of Douglas? Archibalds reputation was such that there was no deed too foul for him to commit.

Colin came into the hall and limped toward them. Tina flushed uncontrollably, her heart going out to him. Im sorry I wasnt here tae greet ye, my lord earl, but Ive been tendin wounds since the middle o the night.

Successfully, I hope, Angus growled.

Colin hesitated. Fer the most part. One man succumbed tae a fatal wound a short time ago.

Whoreson bastards! spat Angus. When I patrolled that border, my favorite pastime was hangin the English. The trees in upper Teviotdale and Hawick bore a grim crop o fruit. Jamie is too bloody lenient! Foul fall the House o Tudor! Do ye know when I was about tae put Jamie on the throne, that dirty little dog turd, Henry VII, offered me a fortune in gold tae kidnap the laddie? Me do anything so dishonorable tae the rightful King o Scots?

Tina hung upon his every word, wondering why his righteousness didnt choke him, for he was rumored to be the man who had assassinated the previous King of Scotland for being a homosexual.

Ada came into the hall, and Angus cleared his throat and lifted his head like a wolf scenting prey. Tina could read him like an open book. Her golden eyes filled with amusement. Could I persuade you to stay for dinner, my lord earl? I think we are having stuffed pheasant.

Mmm, Im galled by this steel armor against my body. Do ye suppose yer woman could help me take it off while I have a good soak?

She beckoned Ada and whispered to Angus, Youll have to do your own persuading, my lord, but I wager she wont be able to resist you.

When Angus and his dozen attendants rode north, Castle Douglas heaved a collective sigh of relief. When Tinas eyes met Adas, they sparkled with amusement.

She couldnt begin to imagine what Angus was like in bed.

He has the constitution of an ox! Ada said, her voice tinged with grudging admiration. I think I injured a groin muscleit wasnt mine, however, she said with a twinkle.

The Black Ram did not return to Castle Douglas that night, nor the next seven nights, as it turned out.

Wherever they patrolled along the border, they heard tales of atrocities, of men hunted like deer, and they saw the evidence of sacked farmsteads and villages with their own eyes. They even had to put out fires where forests had been set ablaze. In one day they discovered the Elliots, Fergusons, and Lindsays had been burned out, and Hotspur had seen enough. He decided to take the law into his own hands, and as night fell, he led his men across the border into England.

They killed only when necessary, and Ram forbade the taking of women. Their main objective was to carry off as much loot as they could get their hands on. They lifted grain, fodder, sheep, cattle, horses, and household goods. They burned crops, barns, and hayricks. Ram knew flames were more terrifying in the dark hours past midnight.

Once back across the border, they began a systematic distribution of goods among the Scottish families who had lost everything. The Douglas men then seemingly disappeared In actuality they boarded the Revenge and raided along the English coast from Kingstown to Whitehaven. At the end of a weeks time, when they slipped back up the River Dee, Douglas had two more English vessels in tow.

Ram exercised a fierce control over his men when they patrolled and even when they raided, but once back at Castle Douglas, he knew they were in a mood for revelry and put no curb on them whatsoever. Every spit and cooking utensil was utilized to prepare a feast, and pandemonium reigned. The racket they made was enough to raise the rafters, and inside and out men wrestled, gambled, drank, and wenched.

Ram watched Tinas reaction with tolerant amusement.

She had been used to a household of men at Castle Doon, but Kennedy men were worlds apart from Douglas men, a law unto themselves Before dusk had completely fallen, the Gypsies arrived and the bailey rang with wild music and dancing.

Zara walked a direct path to Ram and laid a possessive hand upon his arm as they conversed As Valentina watched them she knew they had been intimate She shrugged a shoulderhis reputation with women was legendary. This was only one of his conquestshed probably lain with every female from the border to the capital who was over the age of fourteen. And yet something inside her wanted to assert her power over him She needed to know that he desired her above all other women Ram had been aware of Tinas presence since she had stepped outside. He left Zara with Jock and strolled around the courtyard until he stood beside her Decent women retire to their chambers when the Gypsies come on the scene She gazed up at him The flare of the torches sent the light and shadow flickering in his dark face, emphasizing his saber-sharp cheekbones She tossed her glorious hair about her shoulders. Not a chance!

she told him Dont bother tae look for himhe isnt here She didnt ask who he meant She knew damned well who he meant. Jealousy flared in him as the corners of her mouth lifted in a secret smile The Gypsies think they are a breed apart. Their men all horse thieves, their women all whores. And yet and yetI bet you and I could beat them hands down.

His jealousy was now mixed with hot desire. I know Im a good horse thief, but what makes ye think yed make a whore? he asked huskily.

Thats exactly what I amyour whore He pulled her hard against him, and his mouth ravaged hers. She did not pull away but slid her body against his sensually as the wild beat of the music entered their blood, pulsing in wine-dark waves that were almost too intense to bear. He reached into his doublet and pulled out a handful of gold coins. I expect my moneys worth, he taunted.

Insolently she picked up one of the coins and bit down upon it to see if it was real gold, then tossed it to Zara as she walked past clinging to Jock. Where do you want it?

In the hay of the stables, or under a hedge?

Ram was shocked He gave her a sharp slap across the bottom. Seek yer room, Firebrand. Ill join ye there in a few minutes Her hand slid playfully across his power bulge. Thats to keep you primed, she said outrageously. Tina did not seek her chamber immediatelyshe wanted a word with Old Meg.

The Gypsy had set up business in a corner of the hall, and there was a lineup of females waiting, ostensibly to have their fortunes read, but some were there for less legitimate reasons. Meg saw her immediately, but took perverse pleasure in making her wait a few minutes.

Finally she gestured the other women away and beckoned Tina.

The old woman fixed her with a malevolent black stare.

So what I prophesied came to pass. You belong to the man on the throne with the symbolic rams heads who fulfills all your erotic needs.

Tina willed herself not to blush. I want to know about the poison, she whispered.

Meg held up her fingers and made a cabalistic sign.

Speak not the word, think not the word. Do you not realize we can conjure these things for ourselves? she demanded, her eyes blazing.

Tina opened her mouth to speak and closed it again.

What was the use? The old witch would never implicate herself. Tina could feel the womans animosity toward her. She shrugged a careless shoulder and laughed aloud. Tina enjoyed flirting with her own dangerit made life exciting.

At the entrance to the hall a young Gypsy male had an array of dirks and knives set out on a brightly woven rug. Tina examined some and bought a small knife with a very sharp, pointed blade. Its sheath had leather thongs that could be tied about the leg.

She glanced up and saw that Ramsay had tired of waiting and had come to get her His face masked the emotions beneath the surface. Though annoyed, he was not yet smoldering with anger, so she did her best to inflame him Ah, the Master of the Universe demands my presence!

Not so, he denied. The Master of the Universe awaits yer pleasure. He grinned. Her eyes danced. I once bathed naked in Black Loch at midnight and offered to sell myself to the Devil. I see youve come to claim mebut I think Ive changed my mind, she said stubbornly.

His eyes narrowed. Ye are bought and paid for with gold, Vixen! I expect ye tae perform for me.

She dug her hands into her hips and tossed her hair back over her shoulders. As a matter of fact, you are the one who is bought and paid for with land and ships I expect you to perform for me!

His powerful hands closed painfully over her shoulders.

Never speak tae me in that insolent manner again, he said harshly.

She licked her lips over him Anger and lust are a potent combination, she teased Ill show ye potent, he growled, sweeping her into his arms and carrying her upstairs He set her feet to the carpet, and she whirled away from him to fling open the parapet door The throbbing music and laughter floated up from the courtyard and insinuated itself about the chamber.

For the first time he noticed she was wearing the gown with the tawny markings of an exotic animalthe one she had worn with the chain about her neck when she had been given as a prize to the king. Possessive jealousy now mingled with his lust and anger.

Tina kicked off her shoes, raised her arms above her head, and began to undulate with the music. Her movements were hypnotic, holding him mesmerized. At first her motions were subtle, teasing, tempting, but gradually her gestures became more overtly sexual. She lifted her skirt to peel off her stockings, then fastened the knife about her thigh.

Slowly, sensuously she lifted off her dress and threw it at Ram. He caught it deftly and buried his face in it to inhale her fragrance. Then she removed her undergarments and threw them at him. He lifted them to his nostrils to savor her womans scent. She was naked now, save the knife, and he wondered where in the name of hellfire shed learned this erotic dance. The answer came back immediately: Shed spent too much goddamn time in Gypsy camps! He had been leaning his wide shoulders against the mantel of the fireplace, but he straightened and took a threatening step toward her.

Hold! she ordered, withdrawing her knife from its sheath and aiming it directly at his heart. His eyes widened in horror as he saw her draw back her arm and fling it toward him. The gold pieces hed given her hit him in the chest and rolled merrily across the carpet, while miraculously the deadly blade never left her fingers. She sheathed it and threw back her head with laughter. Ill fuck you for free, Hotspur! She stepped before the mirror to admire herself.

He was inflamed to madness and knew that was her intent. He grasped her about the waist and lifted her ceiling-ward until she screamed. Ye look at yer tits the way I look at my cock, he said huskily, tossing her upon the bed while he tore off his clothes. Ye enjoy playing the wild little bitch, he said, biting her neck, then running his tongue around her ear.

I enjoy matching you in sensuality, she admitted. His eyes were black with passion as he straddled her.

Match this, he challenged, then proceeded to lick and suck and tongue her throat, her breasts, and her belly with a mouth ravenous with hunger for her. Ram lifted his head to watch her lips part and moan with breathless pleasure. Her eyes grew languid with the loving, and he was thrilled with her physical and vocal response.

Golden devils danced in her eyes as she crooked a finger and beckoned him closer. How could he come closer to her? Unless, praise God, she wanted him to bring his sex closer. With his knees still on either side of her body, he slowly moved up until the tip of his phallus almost touched her chin. Very delicately, like a cat licking its paw, the tip of her tongue touched the velvet head, and it turned carmine as it engorged with blood.

She found the ridge and placed her lips just beneath it, then swirled her tongue around, tantalizing, teasing, tempting, tasting.

Ram arched his neck and back and cried out at the exquisite sensations her tongue provoked. Stop loveIll spill, he warned.

She lifted her mouth, but murmured against his tip with her lips, I dont mind Black Ram Douglas had to take the aggressive role in sex. He was simply made that way. He put all his weight upon his hands and levered his body downward so that he covered her completely Her thighs opened of their own volition, welcoming his savage thrusts, while her lips parted beneath his hot mouth to welcome his tongue as it delved deeply.

She could not wait for him, she lost control as he carried her over the edge, and her body pulsed to the rhythm of the wild Gypsy music. Ram ignored her cries. A serpent had coiled in his brain, its fangs pumping the poison of doubt. Who had taught her these things? The king? The Gypsy? Patrick Hamilton? He knew he had taken her virginity, but she could have been experienced in other ways. His imagination nearly sent him berserk.

He took complete control of her body, arousing her again, this time to a frenzy. It was as if he wanted to brand her as his, to mark her forever as his woman, to make every other man pale by comparison. Whenever she thought of lovemaking for the rest of her life, this was the time she was going to remember. It went on forever. She yielded to his every demand as he endlessly took.

In that moment she would have given him everything her body, her mind, her soul, her life. Everything except her love. She shuddered with the bliss of it all, yet unbelievably his shudder was ten times more violent than hers. Finally he withdrew and rolled his weight from her, and as she gazed down in wonder at where their bodies had been joined, she saw her thighs were covered with drops of what looked like melted pearls gleaming in the fireshine.

His voice was ragged as he demanded fiercely, Who taught ye tae love a man with yer mouth?

Ada, she whispered.

Ada? he roared.

II told her you tasted me, and she asked if I didnt want to do the same to you. Tonight I did want to.

He laughed with pure relief and pulled her to him. Lord God, how ye make me quiver. Ye are my torment and my delight. He kissed her long and hard. I love the way you smell. I love the way we smell. It was the most intimate, private thing hed ever said to her.

Castle Douglas was so quiet and subdued after Ram and his borderers left that Tina felt almost bereft. It was as if the sun had disappeared. She was as restless as a tigress, and after two days she felt cooped up, almost smothered by the stone walls of the massive fortalice.

Mr. Burque packed her a sumptuous picnic lunch, and she and Colin rode out upon the moors. He was more cognizant of the dangers than Valentina, since hed seen the wounds the men had sustained, and so he insisted they have castle guards ride out with them. The men could hunt in the vicinity while Colin made his sketches, and that way Tina would not feel hemmed in and watched over. She wore a vivid jade-green riding dress and long, dangling jade earrings. Her magnificent hair fell to her waist, and Colin seemed amused that she had such definite ideas about how she wished to be painted.

She shrugged a delicate shoulder, knowing better than any other how she looked her best. What was the point of false modesty?

Colin asked her to hold the pose while he captured it.

She had ridden Indigo, and the dark purple coat against her jade-green velvet made such a rich contrast that Colin made some sketches of her leaning her copper head against the Barbarys satin neck.

They sat down among the wildflowers to eat the food they had brought, and Colin wafted away the wasps that gathered. They had crusty bread and goose pate spiced with herbs. There was a jar of pickled mushrooms and pine nuts. There was also smoked salmon with capers and savory pasties filled with minced lamb and scallions. To wash it all down, there was blackberry wine, and tucked in the corners of the basket were russet apples and damson plums.

Let me capture ye sitting among the clover and the Queens Lace. Ram will be delighted.

Colin, she said bluntly, you appear to harbor no animosity toward Ram.

Why should I? he asked.

Because of the unfairness of his inheriting the title of Lord Douglas when your brother Alex died.

He shrugged. I was illegitimate, though I never knew it.

Ramsay had known for years, but out of kindness he protected me from the knowledge. He sketched in silence for a few minutes, then said, I was away from home when the tragedy happened, and before the week was out, I sustained these crippling injuries in a border skirmish. I came so close to death, I had more pressing problems than the succession to worry about.

Tina frowned. So Ram had known that if anything befell Alex, he, not Colin, would become Lord Douglas. You hinted once that Ram was in love with Damaris, she said lightly.

She was so lovely, we were all in love wi her. He smiled wistfully.

So it was no more than a boys infatuation?

I hope not, Colin said quietly.

Tina knew she would get no more out of him. What a closed-mouthed, tight-lipped clan these Douglases were.

At the end of the day Tina expected to be shown the sketches, but Colin was adamantthe sketches were his Not all of them were good enough to display. He would select the best, and she was most welcome to see her portrait when he had painted it, and not before.

She tried to tease him into a more generous mood, but try as she might, her feminine wiles were useless against the stubborn determination of Colin Douglas.

Drummond Douglas, on orders from Ram, took his crew to Scotlands east coast where the Caprice was anchored. They painted the merchant vessel gray and renamed it Revenge, exactly as Ram had done with the Valentina. They began systematic raids down Englands eastern coast, from Berwick to Tynemouth.

Ram himself alternated between land raids and sea raids. Word soon flew to Henry Tudors Court that a scourge by the name of Lord Vengeance was playing merry hell with Englands ships, and rumors abounded that he had been seen on both coasts, which was a virtual impossibility. At the same time, wherever Lord Dacre had mounted a raid into Scotland, borderers had swept down into England taking not only revenge but everything of value they could lay their hands upon.

Writs of protest were immediately sent from the young King of England to the King of Scotland, and a warrant for the arrest of Lord Vengeance was dispatched by a royal courier.

James Stewart ignored the writs and warrants. He was delighted that one of his nobles had the reckless courage to hit back at the English, and hit back hard. He speculated upon who it could be but he did not really want to know, for then he would be honor-bound to deal with the renegade who was breaking Scotlands solemn treaties with England. James had many wild clansmen to choose from. It could be a Hamilton under his admiral, the Earl of Arran, or it could be a hard-bitten borderer like Lord Home, Lord Douglas, or the Earl of Bothwell. It may even be his own cousin, Matthew Stewart, Earl of Lennox, or that uncivilized, fierce Highlander Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll.

Whenever time or distance permitted, Hotspur rode home to Castle Douglas, usually arriving in the middle of the night. Valentina had become his lodestone, drawing him as irresistibly as a lunar tide. He would arrive depleted and depart again shortly, fully restored.

Sometimes his mood would be so black, Tina had to drain all his savage violence. Yet sometimes, like tonight, his infinite tenderness almost melted her heart toward him. He had started his lovemaking very slowly, gently taking off her nightgown, spreading her hair across the pillows, then caressing every curve, every warm hollow of her body with reverent hands. Then he had spread her legs apart to examine every detail. He took each delicate layer of pink flesh, touched, stroked, separated, and kissed. His touch was as light as a butterflys wings. Hours later, she lay in his arms limp and surfeited as he traced a pattern of ecstasy upon her face with his lips. He half lifted her against him.

Honeypot my honeypot! He only ever used this term in the privacy of their bed. Tina, when I make love tae ye, it feels so right. Ive never felt this way before. Ye make me feel warm, quiet, still. Ye make me feel whole complete. I think I am in love wi ye.

Her heart missed a beat, and she tried for a light note.

Wheres your hard evidence? she demanded bawdily.

He ignored her taunt. Ive decided tae marry ye.

The words hung in the darkness, and she was aghast.

Nay, we have an agreement of one year! Well decide then.

Tae lowest hell wi the agreement. Ive decided now, he said firmly.

Im not with child, she pointed out How do ye know? Ye might be, he said firmly Blood of God, that could be true enough, the way he made love to her. Tina pulled out of his arms. You arrogant swine, Douglas! You think you just have to snap your fingers, and Ill do your bidding.

Dammit, Firebrand, listen tae me! If I waited until ye were pregnant, yed think I was marrying ye because of my heir. I want tae marry ye because I love ye!

She put her hands over her ears to block out his voice and the sound of the raindrops pelting against the windows She decided to take the guard from her rapier and hissed, I dont want to wed you. Douglas men poison their wives!