Tina knew they were at last alone. Her golden eyes teased him as they gazed at his hard mouth Before she was finished with him, she would own that mouth. It would do her bidding and fulfill her every fantasy. The lips would kiss and worship every inch of her flesh, the tongue would surrender and become a willing captive, begging to be imprisoned in her fragrant alcoves. That hard mouth would soften as it whispered words of love hot enough to melt her very bones.

When Ruffian halted, her every sense was filled to overflowing with the heady sensuality of the dark Scot, but gradually she became aware of her surroundings.

Surely it was one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

Soaring both above and below them was a three-tiered waterfall. They had stopped beside the middle ledge where the water was fairly shallow. The waterfall above them fell down the rock like a misty wedding veil, while the waterfall below them plunged in a smooth torrent into what looked like a deep, bottomless pool.

Tina reached up her hands until she could grip Rams powerful shoulders, then she pulled herself up against him until she was in a sitting position. This is the closest to Paradise you and I will ever get, she murmured.

Hold on tae me, he said huskily, and obligingly she clung while he dismounted. Her flaming hair brushed his cheek, and he buried his face in it, inhaling her fragrance until he was dizzy with need.

Tina smiled her secret smile. Black Ram Douglas seemed to have no idea she was the consummate temptress intent upon enslaving him. He thought the skillful luring was all his idea as his experienced hands denuded her of her clothes and he pulled her down to his nakedness among the dark green grass ablaze with wildflowers.

His caresses were fierce, his kisses savage. His tongue plunged into her soft mouth, ravishing her until she yielded and opened to his plunder. Her thighs too opened beneath his onslaught, and she wantonly arched her mons so that he could sheath his shaft all the more deeply. When Ram Douglas made love, its force was that of a storm at sea. He was frighteningly intense, centering his whole attention upon forcing her body to respond to his. And it did. Her body caught his wildness, reveling in the rough power, matching his passion, excitement, and total possession.

Tina could not hold back any longer He brought her to shuddering climax, yet he was not yet ready to spend.

For one terrifying moment fear swept over her because he would not withdraw. Her pulsations quivered against his marble shaft, making it swell and engorge until she was stretched to the limit, then miraculously her love cream anointed his entire length, and the silken friction of his plunges aroused her to new plateaus of sensation.

Ram took her beyond pleasure. Tina knew she would shatter to bits if she moved one hairsbreadth or breathed too deeply, and then suddenly she somehow knew that if she did give up her last shred of control to this man, it would bring her the ultimate in fulfillment.

She plunged up as he plunged down, a blissful scream was torn from her throat, and they both experienced sensations the gods might envy.

The dream stopped, then began again at the very edge of the waterfall. Ram stood behind her with his strong hands cupping her shoulders. His lips kissed the top of her head, her throat, then the nape of her neck. Dive with me, he urged. Tina shrank back against the naked length of him. Had he said dive with me or die with me?

I know ye have the courage for anything, ye just proved it in the grass.

Slowly she felt his arousal grow against her bare back.

This man admired courage more than any other quality, and she knew if she abandoned herself to him and dove down the waterfall with him, she would own him, body and soul, forevermore.

Slowly she raised her arms wide and allowed him to clasp her wrists. She moved back against his magnificent torso until her feet were between his.

Together they raised up on their toes and, as one, arched outward in a graceful dive. An exultant feeling of omnipotence engulfed her as they plummeted toward the water. When they hit the pools surface, Tina awoke with a violent start. She lay still, not wanting Ram to evaporate with the dream. He evoked such powerfully strong emotions, even while she slept. Surely the bond between them could not be severed. Somehow she would find a way to save him.

Ada awoke by six and in her best gown ventured forth to take the measure of Greenwich and the men and women who trod the hallowed halls. Still in a reverie from her dream, Tina looked through the open casement into the gardens. The grass was still a brilliant green, and the scent of the late-blooming roses wafted on the balmy breeze. The flowerbeds were a riot of chrysanthemums, hollyhocks, asters, and Michaelmas daisies. The trees of the park had only just begun to turn color, and a sprinkling of crimson and gold could be seen among the green leaves.

Only servants were about at this early hour, and as Tina leaned out the window to get a better view of Greenwich, she could see the tops of the striped pavilions in the great park. With firm resolution she pushed away thoughts of Ram and vowed to concentrate upon the task at hand.

She carefully chose a gown of Tudor green embroidered with silken roses and wore her magnificent hair loose, held back by only a green ribbon embroidered with seed pearls. Ada was breathless as she closed the door behind her. Youll never guessall the Howards are here! Their servants are everywhere and throwing their weight about as if they were Englands premier family. It seems Lord Howards son Thomas is the kings admiral. Hes a great hero at the moment. The whoreson pirate captured some Scottish ships near the downs and hanged their captains from their own yardarms.

Tinas hand went to her throat. My god, what if Dacre had already hanged Ram Douglas? Nay, surely she would know deep in her heart if Ramsay were dead. It brought home to her with a jolt that Rams life hung by a thread. She must do something, anything, to aid him.

Ada said, The king and court usually attend morning mass, so obviously you must too.

As Tina stepped into the autumn sunshine, she felt its warmth upon her face. For the first time she felt a ray of hope, as if it were a sign from heaven Here was her golden opportunity to take Fate into her own hands. The morning seemed bright with promise.

She arrived at the chapel early and chose a seat near the front of the church where she could see and be seen. When the chapel began to fill up, she was struck by the resplendent fashion of the courtiers. The men dressed like peacocks, far outshining the ladies in their magnificent attire. Tina thought the shirts beneath their doublets were fancier than the delicate undergarments Ada fashioned for her. High points of lace rose above the neckline of their doublets, and frills and ruffles were at every wrist. The silk brocaded and embroidered doublets and trunks were sprinkled generously with gemstones that Tina had never seen. She was familiar with jet and beryls, but stones like opals, moonstones, orange citrines, jacinths, and chrysolites, she had never even heard of.

When the king arrived, Tina realized it was he who set the fashion and his nobles slavishly copied him. Tina studied him intensely, willing him to glance her way as the music rose and soared about the vaulted chapel. He had a very similar build to her brother Donal and her father, yet he was bigger, like a giant. Bluff King Hal, as he loved to be called, had a great barrel chest and a broad, ruddy face He wore a flat velvet cap encrusted with gemstones and ostrich feather tips over thinning reddish hair.

He had a sandy-colored, close-cropped beard that was repeated on every male face in the chapel. His hands were as hamlike as those of Bothwick, but he wore rings on every finger and even his thumbs. Around his neck he wore two chains, one solid gold, the other embedded with emeralds. Smaller shoulders would have been bowed down by their weight.

Tina bethought how her own King James wore an iron belt concealed about his hips as a penance. Therein lay the difference between the two monarchs. One had an inner strength of character; the other was all show and surface splendor.

When Tina bowed her head to pray, she had no idea that the lustful eyes of the king were riveted upon her. There were not many beautiful young women at Henrys court, and Valentina Kennedy stood out like a delicate crystal goblet among thick glass jars. The lusty, youthful king grew hard beneath his codpiece. The tired wife of his deceased brother, Catherine of Aragon, to whom they had wed him, did not nearly satisfy his sexual appetite, which increased daily. Henry made a mental note to ask his chancellor to find out who she was.

When the service was over, the king left before anyone else, and the gentlemen attendants who crowded after him were so numerous, Tina was prevented from catching up with him outside. She returned to her rooms and found Ada awaiting her with the chamberlain.

Madam, if you have messages for His Majesty, I will present them to the chancellor.

I had hoped for an audience with the king. His sister entrusted me with a message of a personal nature.

The chamberlain looked offended. Didnt the stupid little bitch know men lived or died by the kings favor? In England we have a thing called protocol, madam. I suggest you acquaint yourself with it. He glared at her and held out an imperious hand for the letter.

Tinas temper flared hotly. In Scotland we have a thing called courtesy. I suggest you acquaint yourself with it.

He inclined his head and left her to cool her heels. She would need him before he needed her!

Ada said, I learned that Lord Howard has just been named head of the kings armies. Of course here at court, the Howards use their titles of Countess and Earl of Surrey. Tina, he could be of vital importance if he could be persuaded to help you.

Gods passion, how can I trust him to help? His son Thomas is admiral and taking every Scots vessel he can lay his hands upon. Tina picked up the sealed letter from Margaret Tudor. Do you think I was wrong not to hand this over to the chamberlain?

No. You mark my words, the chancellor will be our next visitor.

Tinas eyes fell on the wax seal of the letter, and she saw that it had been affixed by a most careless hand. She knew she could flick it open with her thumbnail and reseal it again by holding it over a candle flame. Before her courage deserted her, she broke the small red seal and scanned the letters contents.

My Dearest Hal: Fond felicitations from your devoted sister Margaret.

The bearer of this letter, Lady Valentina Kennedy, would ask a favor of your most exalted and generous person.

She is hand-fasted to Lord Ramsay Douglas, whom Lord Dacre has arrested because he suspects him of being the infamous Lord Vengeance. I know Douglas is not the man you seek, for even as I write this the Revenge is raiding along the opposite coast. Douglas is the most powerful clan in Scotland, as you well know, and I am pleased to tell you that I am on intimate terms with the heir to the earldom. I implore you to release your prisoner, for at some future date you may very well find yourself related to the man in question. As you have no doubt noticed, Lady Kennedy is a renowned beauty and will show her gratitude for your divine mercy in any way you command.

Chapter 32.

Tinas mouth fell open. The only possible way the English king could find himself related to Douglas was if Margaret married Anguss sonwhich meant the King of Scotland would have to die! Were there secret plots afoot in which she was now embroiled? She clutched the letter, knowing she should not pass on such treasonable information, but when she weighed it against the possibility of saving Rams life, her duty to king and country paled in significance. She quickly read the letter to Ada, then melted the wax and resealed it.

I saw the king at mass. Hes a giant of a man, with a ruddy face and beard. I didnt like the look of him, but his clothes were absolutely magnificent, Tina said.

Ive learned all there is to know about Hal Tudor from the servants. From everything Ive heard, he has a pathological need to dominate everyone and everything, Ada reported.

Tina thought of another. Black Ram Douglas is the most dominant man I ever met.

Nay, Ram is dominant because hes a natural leader.

Henry Tudor dominates every meal, every conversation, every person in the room with him. He dominates his ministers and the clergy. Up until lately, he has been sexually repressed, trapped in a loveless marriage to a religieuse, older than himself. It is only this past year that he has dared to defy the Church and commit adultery. Now that his appetite has been whetted, he is constantly on the prowl. He loves to be thought of as bluff, but in reality he is a bully to women and servants.

His temper tantrums are legendary, and everyone at court tries to appease him The divine right of kings! Tina said dryly.

The consensus is unanimoushe thinks of himself as God, Ada concluded.

Tina tucked the queens letter into her bodice. Come, lets go out into the park. If I see either Lord Howard or King Henry, I shall appeal to him. All Hallows isnt until tomorrow, but the celebrations are already under way.

They walked through the gardens, where the quince trees were laden down with fruit and the yew walks were cunningly designed for dalliance. They passed by the tennis courts, the bowling green, and the archery butts that would be overflowing with contestants by afternoon.

Ada said, None dare win even a game with Henry, he is so childishly spoiled. Apparently the punishments he metes out are viciously cruel.

Tinas knees turned to water at the thought of having to deal with such a monster The words with which his sister Margaret had concluded her letter rose up alarmingly in Tinas mind. Lady Kennedy will show her gratitude for your divine mercy in any way you command She pushed the words away and clung to the hope that Henry would be merciful without exacting payment from her.

Out in the great park among the striped pavilions, Tina suddenly exclaimed, Gypsies! Oh, Adathe Gypsies are here to entertain the court. They have a vast secret network. I wonder if I can learn if Heath will be here?

They walked past the caravans and the tethered horses looking for a familiar face. This was a far larger band than had ever gathered in Galloway Valley, and Tina realized most of them would be English Gypsies. A swarthy fellow leered at her. Instead of ignoring his insolence and tossing her head as she would have once done, she stopped and spoke to him. Do you know a Gypsy called Heath? Heath Kennedy from Scotland?

The man showed white teeth. We recognize no borders we are Romanies, not English or Scots.

Yes, yes, I know, Tina said impatiently Do you know Heath?

He laughed. Gypsies do not like to be questioned.

Perhaps I know him, perhaps I do not.

Tina stamped her foot. She knew he would be maddeningly noncommittal. Gypsies were a closed society, not dissimilar to a clan. Secrecy and loyalty were a necessary part of their survival. Well, if you happen to run into him, tell him Flaming Tina is desperate to see him.

The young Gypsy leered at her. If your need is that great, lady, I could serve you in his stead. We need only go into the trees.

Ohh! she gasped, daintily picking up her skirts and moving away from him with all speed. What is the matter with men? Tina demanded.

Ada shrugged. Their pricks are the center of their universe, whether they be Gypsy or king.

They passed a Gypsy girl putting her trained dogs through their paces, and Tina thought she looked familiar. She hesitated. In their brilliant red skirts and white peasant blouses, one resembled another.

Suddenly she felt eyes boring into her back and whirled about to see a sly, familiar face with slanting eyes and pouting lips glaring at her.

Tina did not recall the girls name, but her heart lifted in spite of the look of raw hatred being cast her way She had seen the dark beauty whenever she had visited Heath. Tina walked over to the steps of her caravan. My name is I know your name, Zara snarled. You are the Kennedy bitch. The girl deliberately spat on the ground, and Tinas cheeks flamed. She swallowed her pride. Is Heath here? she asked hopefully.

Zara shrugged He was but he is gone.

When will he be back? asked Tina.

The Gypsy girl looked as if she would like to plunge her knife into the redhead. Tina reached into her pocket and held out a gold coin. Zara eyed it and wet her lips. He comes, he goes, she said, reaching greedy fingers for the money.

Tina closed her fingers over the coin. Why do you hate me? she demanded.

The silence stretched between them as they glared at each other. Finally Zara shrugged. I was the Rams woman before you.

Valentina felt a stab of jealousy pierce her heart. It was obvious the sultry Gypsy girl felt a deep passion for the devil-eyed Douglas. Tina decided to take advantage of the girls emotions. Ram has been taken prisoner. I believe hes been brought to London. I need Heath to find out where hes imprisoned. Tina gave Zara the gold coin. Will you help me? she asked evenly.

Zara went pale, but she threw out another taunt. Why should I care?

Valentina abandoned her pride altogether. You care. I know because I was his woman, and I care. I would do anything to help him, and so would you.

The women who share his bed will always awaken with a smile, Zara taunted.

Tina shook her head. There will be no more women.

They are going to hang him.

Zaras eyes narrowed dangerously. He was the first man to give me gold He was the only man I allowed to remove my earrings.

Tina saw she wore only one, then slowly Zara pulled up her skirt to display the saucy black curls between her legs.

Tinas eyes widened as she saw the golden hoop that pierced the Gypsys mons. The lecherous whoremaster, let them hang him! Tinas heart constricted so tightly, she thought it would bleed. Then an inner voice asked, What does it matter how many women have gone before? When one loved deeply, it was all or nothing.

She knew she would do anything to save him, and she hoped in her heart that Zara felt the same way.

As Tina turned to leave, Zara asked boldly, Will you help me meet the king?

Tina thought wildly, I need someone to help me meet the king! She had enough sense, however, to fold her tongue behind her teeth. She nodded her promise to Zara and hoped it was convincing enough.

Ada urged, They were setting food out under an awning on the lawn. Lets get something to eat.

Im sorry, Im not hungry, Tina replied.

You must eat somethingyou dont want to fall sick again.

Tina shook her head. Food would choke me. You must eat something, though. Come on, I could use a drink, perhaps.

The food tables were laden with the harvests bounty.

Ada helped herself to a meat pasty and a fruit pie, while Tina took a cup of spiced cider. Laughter and mens deep voices filled the air as a crowd of courtiers surged toward the food. When the crowd parted to allow the king access to the table, Tina saw that one of the men he spoke with was Lord Howard. She caught only a glimpse, for there were at least thirty men milling about the king. Before she could push into the throng, other men and women too were drawn to the presence of His Majesty like steel filings to a magnet. Tina and Ada were jostled aside without ceremony until it seemed that every person at Greenwich had business with Henry Tudor.

If we get separated, you follow Howard and tell him I must see him, and Ill follow the king. Almost before the words were out of her mouth, the crowd surged toward the park and she could no longer see Ada.

Tina followed the crowd, which grew larger and noisier with every yard it progressed. The kings destination was the bowling green. A few fortunate courtiers were selected to give him a match, and the rest fell back about the perimeter of the green to cheer him on and watch him win.

Tina drew the eyes and the hands of the men about her.

There was a decided dearth of beauties at court. She felt a hand on her bottom and turned angrily to face the man who touched her so intimately.

By heaven, the front side is even more attractive than the back side, drawled a fair-haired young man with a long face.