Christ, youd think it was a bloody hedgehog I was offering you. Its oat cakes, plain and simple oat cakes.

She ate them obediently and finished the hot tea.

Do you feel better? asked Ada.

No, Tina said in a forlorn voice.

Dont tell me all your guts have deserted you, goaded Heath. Smile, pinch your cheeks to put some color in them. If Ram sees you like this, hell think hes received a death sentence.

Tina threw back the covers and sprang from the bed.

Ada, give me something lovely to wear. What a gutless creature she was! All she had to do was hold her nose and give Henry Tudor access to her body. If she couldnt charm that gross mountain of flesh into freeing Ram, she wasnt much of a woman.

Ada brought the peach-colored gown with the pleated bodice and stomacher, and Heath opened the wardrobe and took out the luxurious sable cloak. Do it with panache, he murmured, and she threw her arms about him in a rush of love. She was far more attuned to this half-brother than to her full brothers.

Tina was never more thankful in her life for Heaths support than she was this overcast morning as they stepped from the barge onto the Tower Wharf. A reckless mood had seized her as they sailed down the Thames, but as the White Tower of London loomed before her, her knees turned to butter, and her heart turned over in her breast. She didnt know which daunted her more: the forbidding fortress, or the thought of facing the accusing eyes of Black Ram Douglas.

She was somehow surprised that the paper signed by Surrey got them through Traitors Gate. She was even more amazed when it gained them entrance to the Bloody Tower. The guard took them past three other cells before coming to a stop before the barred door of the fourth. The tower guard in his military uniform gave them specific instructions before he unlocked the door. I will lock you in with the prisoner. Call out when you wish to leave.

The Kennedys nodded in agreement, and the turnkey did his job.

When Ramsay saw Valentina he wasnt sure if he wanted to kiss her or kill her. A great wave of love went out to her for risking her life to save his, but at the same time he wanted to take hold of her and shake some sense into her. She was so reckless, so heedless of her own danger, it terrified him. Just the sight of her confirmed his powerful response to her. His heart was racing wildly, and his blood was singing just being in the same enclosed space together. If this woman believed in him, there was nothing he couldnt do.

Tinas heart was in her mouth as she carefully looked him over from head to toe to see if he had been permanently injured. He relief that he was all right made her feel faint and lightheaded. She loved him with all her heart and would do anything on earth to gain his freedom. She must make him understand that she had not betrayed him and never imagined in this world Davie would do so, but before she could find the words to pledge her loyalty to him, Heath placed the red wig over Rams hair and swung his cloak about Rams shoulders.

Heath spoke quickly.

The English have been recruiting like mad. They have garrisons at Coventry, Gloucester, Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester, York, and Newcastle, as well as the two you know of, at Carlisle and Berwick. The ports are bristling with ships, and the press gangs are out in full force to equip them with crews. The army is already between twenty and thirty thousand strong, but heres the good news. They are going to war with France before they tackle Scotland.

Good man! said Ram with genuine pleasure. But I cant let you take my place.

It was my brother who betrayed you, said Heath, I am honor-bound to do this thing. He grinned at Ram. You in turn must take my place. You must entertain the king and court tonight at Greenwich. Are you up to riding the ponies and throwing the knives?

Tina looked at them aghast. They were taking matters into their own hands and exchanging places. Ram, no! I can persuade the king to let you go.

He took hold of her shoulders possessively, his pewter eyes burned into hers. Id see ye dead before Id let ye ask Henry Tudor for favors.

She could feel the heat from his hands branding her as his woman. God damn you both, how am I to bear it if you do this thing? she agonized.

His grip tightened fiercely to reassure her and transfer some of his strength to her. Hush, vixen. He touched his lips to her brow tenderly.

Heath said low, Your job isnt over yet, Tina. You must go straight to the king, throw a tantrum, and tell him his prisoner is not Ram Douglas. He grinned at Ram as they gripped each others arm in a silent pledge. Zara awaits you.

Tinas eyes flashed their outrage, but Ram threw his arm about her to anchor her to his side and growled, Call the guard.

If Tina had been afraid on the way in, she was terrified on the way out, but the warden never looked beyond the red hair.

They stood facing each other as the oarsman took them back to Greenwich. They did not dare touch except with their eyes. It wrung his heart to see how fragile she looked, especially with the violet smudges beneath her eyes.

Tina bit her lips to prevent a cry of anguish from escaping when the wind blew aside his collar to expose the raw scar the ships rope had left upon his neck.

There were a thousand things she wanted to tell him, but they all went unsaid. Her throat was closed tight with emotion, and she knew if she tried to utter just one word, she would be undone.

She tried to read what was in his heart, but his face wore a dark, impenetrable mask. One thing was certainshe might be vulnerable, but Ram Douglas was not. He was stronger than steel, harder than granite.

Tina fiercely fought back her tears, vowing not to weep before him. Would he think her courageous or heartless? Did it matter what he thought? She realized it mattered more than life or death. If only they could flee together, but they could not. She was held as fast as Heath in his stone cell.

As Ramsay watched the small figure of his woman climb the Greenwich waterstairs, his eyes softened and his gut knotted with apprehension for her. He had left her safe with all the might of Douglas to protect her, yet she had placed herself in jeopardy to save him Now her favorite brother was in the Tower of London. Rams face was bleak; he knew shed pay any price to save the Gypsy.

Instinctively, Tina knew the only thing that would save her was anger. By the time she swept down the corridors of Greenwich Palace, her temper was blazing.

She walked a direct path to Henry Tudors apartments and stopped only when she reached the royal antechamber. A grenadier guard was posted outside the kings privy chamber, and the chancellor stood between her and the guard.

Lady Kennedy, I am afraid His Majesty is occupied this morning.

She raised her eyebrows and swept him with an icy glance. He is with Lord Howard, I presume.

Yes, my lady. The Earl of Surrey.

My business concerns him too. She brushed past the chancellor and stepped up to the guard.

Stop her! cried the chancellor.

The guard slanted his halberd across the entrance to the privy chamber and the chancellor raised his voice in horror You cannot see the king!

Tinas golden eyes blazed their challenge. Can I not?

she asked, then threw back her head and let out a bloodcurdling scream. Within two seconds the door was flung open, and Henry Tudor filled its frame.

She brandished the paper Howard had signed for her.

The man in the tower is not Ram Douglas! What have you done with my husband? She ran up to the king and pummeled her fists on his broad chest.

The guard dropped his halberd, grabbed her arms, and twisted them behind her back. Valentina immediately fainted, albeit gracefully.

Unhand the lady! ordered the king as he bent to pick her up from the floor. He carried her limp body into his privy chamber and held her on his knee. Henry tapped her cheek gently until she opened her eyes. He watched helplessly as her golden eyes turned a smoky amber and filled with tears. Youve killed himI know youve killed him! she wept.

Dearest lady, we have killed no one. What is this about, Surrey? the king demanded.

II gave Lady Kennedy a pass to visit Douglas in the tower, he explained. I saw no harm in it.

No harm in it? cried Tina. Her sable cloak fell away from her to reveal the pleated bodice of the peach-colored gown, showing off her delectable breasts to perfection.

Gracious Majesty, help me! she implored.

Calm and compose yourself, sweeting. He spoke as if to a very small and wayward child. Henry promises to look into the matter thoroughly. I want you to run along now and have a little rest. I shall be most annoyed if anything spoils todays celebrations. He looked pointedly at Surrey, but his words were also meant as a warning to Tina.

Im sorry, Your Majesty, she murmured contritely. I promise to be good. I know you will look after me.

He patted her and dropped a kiss on the top of her head before she climbed down from his lap. The moment she had gone, Henry turned accusing eyes upon Surrey.

You were at the Scottish court long enough. Can you identify this Ram Douglas?

I most assuredly can, Your Majesty.

Then send for the damned plaguey fellow, and lets put an end to this farce, directed the livid king.

Two hours later Lord Howard was back waiting to be admitted to the kings privy chamber He paced about outside the room while inside Bluff King Hal put Bessie Blount through her paces He was peevish with her. Why the devil was her hair so drab? Lud, she was big as a cow! She couldnt even keep him hard, and hed only spent twice! Bessie left sniffing back tears, which werent unusual these days.

Henry came to the door. He wanted to be outside at the archery butts and blamed Surrey for this wretched business, which kept him from his pleasures. Well? he thundered.

Your Majesty, Lady Kennedy was telling the truth. The man below is most definitely not Ramsay Douglas.

Then who the devil is he? demanded an impatient Henry.

Erhe wouldnt say, sire. He said his identity was for your ears alone, Your Majesty.

Can nothing in this whole damned realm be handled without my personal attention? Oh, go onfetch him up.

Just be sure hes well shackled before you bring him into my presence.

Henry fidgeted nervously with his beard as he awaited Surreys return. What damned plots were being hatched north of the border? Why the hell was Margaret so eager to save the mans skin? Or had she been forced to write the letter? Henry glared fiercely at the man the guards brought in. His wrists were manacled behind him and chains stretched down to irons around his ankles Who the devil are you? Henry demanded.

The tall, dark young man stepped closer to the king and murmured low. Henry snickered and looked at the handsome young devil with new eyes. Then he threw back his head, and the laughter rumbled up from his barrel-chest. Spine of God, no wonder Margaret was so eager to get the fellow back! How the devil did you manage to get yourself arrested? Henry demanded.

Heath replied, A man in my delicate position has many jealous enemies.

Just so, chuckled Henry. Surrey, get these damned irons off the man. We are celebrating All Hallows today.

You shall be a guest and join the festivities. Tonight we have the Gypsies to entertain us.

Heath rubbed his wrists. My humble thanks, Your Majesty, but I dare not dally longer. A lady of our mutual acquaintance, who must remain nameless, is in need of my services. Perhaps at some future date I may be of invaluable service to Your Majesty. My pledge on it, he vowed, his head bent in servitude.

When Heath left, Henry gave a couple of orders. Follow him, and while youre at it I want Lady Kennedys servants watched closelyand that brother of hers Ive never seen.

Later, as Henry and his courtiers made their way to the archery butts, he thought, sly puss Margaretbut what the devil am I to tell the little redhead?

At the moment the little redhead was packing her clothes frantically. Ill wear the white gown tonight and my emeralds, but pack up everything else.

Youll need a cloak. Autumn has finally arrived in England, Ada said.

Yes, Ill wear the green velvet.

Good choice. Henry will think you are wearing his Tudor colors.

He can think what the devil he likes, but Ill be damned if he finds me in this chamber tonight when he steps out of the secret panel. Get the luggage to the stables, and have the men rent rooms at an inn. Give them gold to pay.

Their voices hushed immediately as they heard a rapping on the door. Ada opened it a crack to find a page with a message. His Majesty the King commands Lady Kennedy attend him at the archery butts, piped the boy.

Thank you kindly, Tina said, giving him a silver sixpence. You may take me to him.

The page was happy to oblige. Usually all he got when he delivered a message was a sweetmeat, sometimes only a cuff on the ear. As she followed him through the palace garden, past the bowling green and into the great park to where the archery butts had been set up, Tina was acknowledged by everyone at court. She received bows and nods from the men and curtsies from the women. She blushed furiously. They thought she was the kings latest whore, and she experienced real shame When they arrived at their destination, a contest was in full spate, complete with fast and furious wagering. Tina stood by like the rest of the onlookers, just another puppet on a string who applauded when the king hit a bulls-eye and laughed when he attempted a witticism.

She stood patiently for an hour while Henry shot his arrows, drinking a mug of ale between every shot. He remained undefeated, and after hed received enough applause, praise, and outrageous compliments, he decided to notice her presence.

Ah sweeting, come walk with me while I try to put your mind at ease.

Tina curtsied low and saw his hot gaze linger on her breasts. After a full minute he raised her and retained her hand in his. It was a case of mistaken identity all along How fortunate it was you came to me! No doubt you have seen the gentleman in question about my sisters court?

Eryes, Your Majesty. I believe he is a particular friend of Queen Margarets, she improvised, picking up on his clue.

Thanks to you, my lady, the gentleman is already on his way home to Scotland, which brings me to your Lord Douglas.

Tina was faint with relief. Yes, sire? she murmured breathlessly.

I havent the vaguest notion where the fellow could be, but Ill bet he never left Scotland. Ill wager he isnt within four hundred miles of Greenwich.

Ill wager hes within four hundred yards, thought Tina, giddy with relief. She went up on tiptoe and kissed Henry joyfully.

He bent toward her intimately. I shall find out for you where Douglas is, even if it takes all winter. Meanwhile, I shall keep you at my side, where I know you will be safe.

Lets stroll through the maze, sweeting. There is a bench at the center where we may be private from prying eyes.

Tina stopped dead in her tracks. Your Majesty, she stammered, I have an unholy fear of l-labyrinths and c- closed up spaces due to being l-locked in a wardrobe as a child. She snatched her hand from his. Just the thought of going in there with you has given me a flux of the bowels! Excuse me, sire. Tina literally ran from the gardens and didnt stop until she found Ada in the banqueting hall.

Tina realized she was hungry for the first time in weeks.

As she helped herself to a trencher of beef and a pot of ale, she regaled Ada with the tale. I didnt lie, she said between mouthfuls, The king really does frighten the shit out of me!

Suddenly Tina looked up into the eyes of a man who had been watching her. He averted his eyes so quickly, she knew he was following someones orders. Dont look now, Ada, but we have a watchdog. Hes between us and the door. Dear God, if the servants havent taken my things to the stables yet, theyll never be able to sneak them out.

Ada finished her ale and stood up. We could leave separately. He cant follow both of us at once.

No, Ada. Dont leave me alone. Well go to my chamber.

The king will be in the park for hours. She hoped the man hadnt followed her to the tower this morning to see her arrive with one man and leave with another. Nay, she would be under arrest by now if anyone knew she had committed such an act.

Tina prayed that Ram had not been followed. Then she thought of Heath. They were not supposed to know each other, yet any moment he could be climbing in at her casement window while being followed by one of Tudors watchdogs. Her blood slowed in her veins.

Spine of God, the king indeed intended to anchor her to his side. He must have sensed she was ready to bolt.

Henry Tudor was insatiablehe would devour her.

Much to their relief the luggage was gone when they went to their rooms. Im going to bathe and change now rather than later, Tina said decisively. Dont call for hot water. Ill just use whats in our water jugs.

Ada emptied the jugs from both rooms into the slipper bath, and Tina sat down in two inches of tepid water.

She was out again within five minutes, and Ada helped her into the lovely white gown Ram had bought her. As she fastened the emerald and diamond necklace with trembling fingers, she wished that Ramsay could see her in the beautiful things he had selected for her. Then an unendurable thought came to her: He would see her!