The men shook his hand or touched his shoulder, the women kissed him, the children came up to him shyly to stare at the valiant Lord Vengeance. Tina saw him pick up one child after another. He tickled them, ruffled their hair, whispered in their ears, and succeeded in bringing smiles to their serious little faces. She had had no idea until this moment how much he loved children. And suddenly she knew she loved him. So this was love then, this passionate, wild, all-consuming emotion as powerful as hatred, nay, more powerful. Love was far too tame and pallid a word to describe this thing that was between them. It was closer to madness than sanity, closer to violence than peace. It was primitive, savage, wanton, untamed, reckless, and unquenchable.

She gazed at him with the eyes of a woman who is proud of her lover. She recalled the verbal exchange theyd had when he came to offer for her The Douglases are renowned for their ambition, pride, greed, and treachery, she had said.

And valor, he had added with a wolfish grin. He had spoken the truth. Ram Douglas was innately valiant, and she adored him for it.

They ate sparingly, and after Ram saw her and Ada bedded down in comfort, he and his men worked far into the night restoring some of Cumnocks destruction.

When they departed in the morning he left behind ten of his men-at-arms with instructions to meet him at the ship when they had finished rebuilding. Lord Douglas Was received at Ochiltree with the same adulation as at Cumnock. By now, Tina thought it amusing that they treated him as if he had just descended from Mount Olympus. They should see him when his Douglas temper was unleashed, or see his unsavory condition after a night of debauched drinking, she thought wryly.

Then he cradled a burned child so tenderly, it touched her very soul.

Again, he left men to help rebuild the village. The River Doon lay only seven miles away, and they expected to reach it by dusk. Tina looked forward to spending the night with him aboard the Revenge before she went home to Castle Doon. He had been very careful not to make any demands upon her since her illness, but tonight Tina was afire to make demands of her own.

They rode along the banks of the Doon until the ship came into view. She was amazed at how camouflaged it was, tucked into a bend in the river. They only had three men with them, so Ram came himself to lift her down from the wagon. She was grateful for the strong hand at the small of her back as they ascended the gangplank of what had once been the Valentina. She looked up in surprise as her brother Davie came forward. She did not recognize the man with him.

Black Ram Douglas had no trouble recognizing him, however. As Lord Dacre stepped forward, a score of uniformed men surrounded them and held Lord Douglas at swordpoint. In the name of the king, I arrest you for piracy on the high seas. Dacre turned to David Kennedy. Do you identify this man as the infamous Lord Vengeance?

I do, said Davie Kennedy with relish.

No! gasped Tina, rooted to the spot by the enormity of what her brother had done.

Ram Douglas struggled fiercely and received a smashing blow to his temple from a heavy swordhilt. It drove him to his knees. Tina screamed, and as Douglas raised his pewter eyes to her, she saw hatred written there. She was the only one who knew he was Lord Vengeance. She had betrayed him! No! she cried again, her hand going out to him in supplication.

Hotspur saw her through a red mist of fury. Their entire relationship had been based upon revenge. She had emerged the victor in the battle between them. To this vixen, love had meant weakness, and she had put a knife in his back.

Tinas eyes never left his face, lingering on the hard, chiseled mouth and strong arrogant jaw. His prominent cheekbones reinforced the impression of power and ruthless vitality. His dark, harshly handsome features brought a rush of love. As they dragged him past her, she threw out both hands in supplication, the gesture begging him to believe she had not done this dishonorable thing.

Rams eyes were murderous. They bored into hers, promising her the thing she understood better than any woman alivethey promised revenge.

Chapter 31.

Get the women off the ship, Dacre ordered David Kennedy, and like a sleepwalker she allowed her brother to lead her down the gangplank. In shock she stood on the banks of the Doon and watched her own ship being sailed away to England. Her heart constricted as she realized there was only one way they would keep Black Ram Douglas aboard, and that was in heavy irons.

She turned to Davie with an incredulous look upon her face, as if she could not quite believe that this was not some nightmare from which she would soon awaken.

You filthy little turd! she screamed, and flew at him, her nails raking his face.

David grabbed her wrists with cruel hands, and she almost vomited at his touch. How could you betray him to the bloody English? she cried in anguish.

Douglas is more my enemy than Dacre. I met him many a time when I visited Carlisle with mother.

Gods passion, youve not seen the atrocities Dacre and his English raiders have committed! They fired the entire village of Ochiltree, burning women and children!

Dont speak tae me of burns! he spat, holding up his scarred arm She looked at him in disbelief. You think youll get your thirty pieces of silver, but let me tell you, Davie Kennedy, you have just frittered away your life! The powerful Douglas clan will hunt you down like a dog. You are a dead man!

He looked at Ada, standing with a protective arm about Nell, then his eyes narrowed and fastened upon Tina You are the only witness, and women are soon silenced.

He raised his hand to strike her, but Tina was quicker.

The moment he let go of her wrist, she slapped him full in the face. At the same time she brought her leg up and kneed him in the balls. He went to his knees, howling for his men to grab her Tina turned to face the four red-headed Kennedy men with a sweeping look of contempt Not one of them made a move toward her Her golden eyes blazed their challenge Is there any one of you man enough to drive my wagon to Castle Doon?

The men looked at the three women who stood defenseless before them and felt hot shame. The oldest stepped forward. I will take ye home, Lady Valentina, he said grimly When Tina arrived home, she learned that her father had taken her mother to Castle Kennedy to be with Donal and Meggie because Meggies time was near Tinas heart sank. She had counted upon her father to take her to the king Ada cast her an anxious glance Tina had only just begun to recover from the double ordeal of the poisoning and the miscarriage She must be ready to collapse.

Tina kept on her feet by sheer willpower alone. There was no time to think of herself There was not one moment to lose She knew without a doubt that Henry Tudor would hang Lord Vengeance when he was delivered to London Tina went out to the stables to speak with the Kennedy grooms. Ada and I will be riding to Edinburgh at dawn. I want the two best mounts you have, and Ill need an escort of at least two men. I dont want young boys, she told the head groom.

Ill attend ye myself, Lady Kennedy, he offered, thinking his young mistress looked ill.

Tina felt almost uncomfortable in her old home. Beth was distant with her, and she was at a loss for the reason. Kirsty, however, was her old hateful self. She looked down her long nose at Tinas slim waist and said snidely, I see yer not breeding yet. Twould be a pity if ye proved barren when the Douglas only agreed tae take ye tae provide him with an heir.

Dear God, there would be no Douglas heir if they hanged Ramsay. Ill say good night, said Tina stiffly. I must be away at first light.

Oh, I have your bedchamber now, said Beth ingenuously.

Tina pressed her lips together. Thats all right. Ill sleep in your old chamber.

Kirsty said smugly, I now occupy Beths old chamber.

Ada intervened. Tina, come, Ill ready your parents room for you.

Kirsty pressed her thin lips together in outrage. Ye canna use the master bedchamber!

Ada fixed her with a steely eye. Watch me! she challenged, and took a menacing step toward the woman. Kirsty fell back instantly. She was no match for Ada.

Valentina could not sleep, but at least she rested her body. They arose before dawn and dressed warmly for the long ride to Edinburgh. When they arrived at the stables, Tina felt weak with relief when she saw the burly, mail-clad figure of Bothwick armed to the teeth.

Oh, Bothwick, this is so good of you. But Im honor- bound to tell you that Dacre and his soldiers were as close as the River Doon yesterday. What if they return and attack the castle?

Bothwick clenched a meaty fist. When I saw what the whoresons did tae Fisherton, I sent messages tae all the clan, including the Earl o Cassillis. They should ha men here by tonight, he assured her.

Tina wore the fox cape whose fur was identical to the color of her hair. She sent Ram a whispered thanks upon the wind for buying her such a luxurious garment to keep her warm. The head groom had done an efficient job of strapping her luggage and food for their journey to the backs of two packhorses. He had also chosen a sure-footed garron for her to ride, and another for Ada.

The journey of about thirty-seven miles would take five or six hours, depending upon the weather and the stamina of their mounts. Tina thought with pride that Hotspur could do it in just over two hours. The first part of the journey seemed to invigorate her. She was racing against time, and danger had ever been a spur to her.

They did not stop to break their fast but ate bannocks and washed them down with ale as they rode.

After almost three hours they stopped to water the horses in the Clyde, very close to Patrick Hamiltons castle at the town of Hamilton. When Tina thought of the young man she had almost married, goosebumps stood out upon her skin. What a close call that had been. Only Fate, much wiser than she, thank God, had saved her from a disastrous marriage with the immature son of Scotlands admiral. Her mind could not help comparing him with Ram Douglas, and he suffered greatly by that comparison. Just thinking of Rams capture made her lean against her horse, weak-kneed.

Bothwick said gruffly to Ada, Shes as pale as a corpse.

Ada bit her lip. She shouldnt be riding this hard. She lost her bairn only last week Christ, woman, do ye want tae kill her? he growled.

Tina felt herself lifted in Bothwicks strong arms. It was exactly like being picked up by a bear. Thankfully, she slipped her arms about his neck and clung to his strength. He mounted and tucked her in the crook of one massive arm. Rest child, auld Bothwick will get ye tae Edinburgh, though I canna promise the king will see ye.

Angus, whispered Tina.

Bothwick was alarmed. Surely this child wasnt courageous enough to beard Archibald Douglas? Tina smiled up at him. The golden eyes slanting from the red fox hood reminded him exactly of a sleek vixen. He has a soft spot for me. Bothwicks heart did a little dance inside his massive chest. Valentina Kennedy was indeed a mans woman.

They caused no little stir at Edinburgh Castle. The beefy giant with the fiery red head and beard swept along the stone passageways carrying the beautiful young woman wrapped in furs, her flaming tresses trailing to the floor. He hammered his beefy fist upon the Earl of Anguss apartment door and contemplated belting anyone who refused to admit her. Tina was tired, cold, and hungry, and in that moment he was her gentle parfait knight in armor, fulfilling the quest she had set him.

When Anguss servants saw who it was, they were admitted immediately, and a page was dispatched with a message to the earl. When he arrived and Bothwick saw with his own eyes that the full power of Clan Douglas was at Tinas beck and call, he departed for Doon with a much easier mind.

When did they take him? growled Angus.

Yesterday, early in the morning, replied Tina, fiercely ashamed that David had tainted the Kennedy name.

Ye did real good, lass, gettin here so quick. But where in the name of Christ were his men? he demanded.

His first lieutenant, Jock, took a score of men from Douglas after three towns were raided. Ram was busy looking after meI drank poisoned wine.

Granite-faced Archibald Douglas looked shocked.

It wasnt Ramsay who poisoned me! she protested hotly.

Angus looked relieved. Nay, poison is a cowards weapon. In any case he had only tae send ye home tae rid himself of ye an be free of the hand-fasting. What about his other men? He had sixty of mine.

He left some at Cumnock and more at Ochiltree to help the villagers rebuild. Their plight was heartrending.

Reckless young fool! I never ride out these days without a hundred Douglas at my back.

How long will it take Dacre to get him to London? Tina asked fearfully.

What makes ye think theyll take him tae London?

Because hes Lord Vengeance, and theres a big price on his head. Before he hangs him for piracy, Henry Tudor will want to see what he got for his money.

Angus cursed and sat down immediately at a desk littered with papers to write out orders and seal them with his earls signet ring. He could clearly see how agitated Tina was over Rams capture, and he explained some of what he planned. Ive orders for Gavin, Ian, and Drummond Douglas tae raid all along the east coast of England tonight and tae make sure they leave Lord Vengeances callin card. Ill go tae the king, and well send Henry Tudor word hes got the wrong man. If Dacre took him yesterday, hed take him tae Carlisle. Dacre couldna take him tae London and wouldna spare the men it would take tae ride tae the capital. Too much chance fer Ram to escape overland. Hed transport him in irons in the hold of a ship. That would take at least three, mayhap four days tae reach London. Thats ample time tae get a courier there wi messages. Ill offer a kingly ransom fer him, lass. Henry Tudor might take the money, especially if we convince him Lord Vengeance is still free and raiding every seaport from Berwick tae Yarmouth.

Im going to London, announced Tina.

Yell do no such foolish thing! he scowled, not really taking her words seriously. Id go myself, except theyd hold me fer ransom, an Jamie would empty Scotlands coffers tae gain ma release.

Angus stood with his back to the fire, sipping whisky hed poured himself. Tina slipped to her knees before him in supplication. Dont you see, my lord? It is my fault he was taken. My brother learned he was Lord Vengeance through me and so betrayed him. If you do not help me get to London, I will go without your aid. I am determined upon it I vow to save him or die trying!

Lassie, lassie, it took the party of women who accompanied the queen twelve days tae ride from London tae Edinburgh.

Then give me a ship, my lord earl. We could sail there in twoless if there is a fair wind!

He gazed down into her lovely face. Ye love him this much? he asked with awe.

More! she declared emphatically.

Angus began to pace. Like all active men who couldnt be caged, he thought better on his feet. Ada folded her tongue behind her teeth. She knew she could not dissuade Flaming Tina when her mind was set She sat quietly beside the pile of baggage waiting for Angus to decide their fate She knew better than to interrupt a man who carried more authority than any save the king himself.

A fast ship tae transport ye tae London is no problem.

Yer safety is the problem. He stopped pacing in front of Ada, stared at her breasts for two or three appreciative minutes, then said, Ye can take diplomatic messages from Queen Margaret to her brother Henry. The queen will inform her brother that Ram Douglas is not this Lord Vengeance they seek and demand his immediate release.

But Angus, how in the name of Heaven do we persuade the queen to write such things to the King of England? I only met her once and have no influence with her whatsoever.

He laid a finger beside his nose and winked at her. I willna persuade herma son Archie will.

Tina stared at him blankly. They were speaking of Her Majesty, Margaret Tudor, Royal Queen of Scotland, not some kitchen wench who could be coerced.

Angus was nothing if not plainspoken. Hes fuckin her shell write the letters tonight, or she doesna get laid. Ye dinna think he bangs her for pleasure, do ye? Christ, even Margaret is not that naive!

Tina blushed, and Ada laughed.

My servants are at yer disposal, lass. Ye rest while I go tae consult the king. Hell run mad when he learns Black Ram Douglas has been taken.

After they bathed and dined, Tina and Ada fell asleep in the earls great bed. Their baggage stood ready at the door with their cloaks. They knew they would be awakened before midnight for the short ride to Leith, where one of Anguss ships would take them from the Firth of Forth into the North Sea on the floodtide.

Angus had put his sleekest, fastest vessel at her disposal, and miraculously the salty wind blew fiercely from the north, taking her down the coast of England as if it were aware that she was in a race against time.

Angus had given her gold, as well as a letter of credit drawn on a London goldsmith. He had produced sealed personal letters from Queen Margaret to Henry Tudor, and a document of safe passage.

Tina did not recognize the weatherbeaten ships master, but she knew he was a Douglas even in the dark. He told her they would arrive at their destination under cover of night in less than twenty hours. He also informed her he would go back out to sea the moment she and her servants, along with their mounts, disembarked. For though he had ships papers signed by the King of Scotland and the Lord High Admiral of the Fleet to satisfy Londons port authority, he was keenly aware that the English were taking as many ships as they could, impressing their crews and hanging their captains out of hand.

Angus had insisted the two females be accompanied by two strapping male servants, and as they stood upon the London docks with their mounts and a mountain of luggage, Lady Valentina Kennedy realized that without the mens physical strength, she would never survive long enough to reach the royal court They learned that the court was now at the kings favorite residence of Greenwich, which sat on the River Thames before the City of London. Greenwich sat in its own vast parkland only a couple of miles from where they had disembarked. Although it was after midnight when the small party arrived, the lights of Greenwich, both within and without, still blazed brightly. Her male servants remained in the stables while Ada accompanied her to the palace.

With the pride of a cat, Tina spoke with a liveried footman who sent a message to the palace steward. I am here as an emissary from Her Royal Highness, Queen Margaret of Scotland, with messages for her brother the king. The steward found her a tiny suite of two rooms and told her that her grooms would have to be housed over top the stables. I will speak with the chamberlain on your behalf, and perhaps tomorrow he will be able to furnish you with chambers more fitting, my lady. As you may see for yourself, Greenwich is overflowing at the seams Some are even sleeping in tents and pavilions set up in the great park for the celebrations.

Celebrations? Tina echoed.

The Harvest Home, my lady. Tis celebrated every year at the end of autumn before winter sets in I suppose it started in pagan times, but now it is most definitely the Christian holy day of All Hallows The steward was a busy man, kept running from dawn till dark by the demanding courtiers of Henry Tudor. He departed much more quickly than he had arrived.

Tina threw open the leaded casement windows that let in the balmy night air and the laughter of people who were obviously enjoying themselves. She leaned against the casement wondering if she would ever laugh again. The merrymakers in the gardens and great park of Greenwich were oblivious to the fact that her heart was bleeding. Tina was superstitious and believed it was her destiny. It was the Bleeding Heart of Douglas.

She bit her lip hard, trying to keep the pledge she had given Ram. He had fiercely demanded, Promise me ye will never shed another tear! and she had promised him faithfully.

England was so much warmer than Scotland, the court was actually going to have an outdoor celebration the last day of October. Tina felt like a caged vixen. She wanted to run to Henry Tudor and demand that he release Ramsay Douglas, but things were not so simple.

She would be lucky if the king even gave her an audience. She was counting on Margaret Tudors letters to pave her way to his exalted majesty, the King of England. At the back of her mind always was the superstitious fear that Ram would be the third unlucky death in the family.

Tina did not expect to be able to sleep in the strange bed with pictures of Ram filling her mind, but slumber finally overtook her, and she drifted off to a place where she would find security. She opened her eyes to find herself clasped between the thighs of Ram Douglas, who was astride Ruffian. He was carrying her off to Castle Douglas, deep in the borders of Douglasdale.

She recalled dimly that he had taken her virginity coldly in the dark of night, and now she was determined to seduce him, to fire his blood to madness, to induce such passion in him as he had never known before.

His reputation as a lover was legendary, and she would not be cheated ever again. Tina moved against him artlessly. Her lashes lifted, and he received the full impact of her golden eyes. Ram gazed down at the flaming creature between his legs and cursed himself for a fool. He had denied himself this luscious woman because of stiff pride. Now the pride was rapidly evaporating while the stiffness remained.

At that moment her lovely full breasts brushed across his swollen phallus, and he almost spilled himself like an untried lad. He slowed his horse, and his borderers thundered past and disappeared over the crest of the ridge, down into Douglas Valley. Tina knew that all Ram could think of was the fact that he had not yet glimpsed her body. He wanted those full breasts spilling into his hands. He wanted her lying on top of him so he could see the luscious alabaster globes nestle upon his darkly furred chest.