Berengaria’s heart beat so fast, she could hardly catch her breath. The emperor had ordered her and Queen Joan to be bound with silken ropes, and neither had slept last night while they’d awaited Richard’s arrival. From the hundreds of ships that lined the coast, Berengaria had no doubt that the men would come soon.
The question was, what would the emperor do with them, once the king’s men arrived? Though she wanted to believe that Richard cared enough about her to bargain for her life, she didn’t know.
It seemed like almost a dream when she’d seen him last in Sicily. She stared out into the blinding sun, twisting her fingers around the chain of the jeweled cross that hung hidden beneath her gown.
Hours passed, and she ignored the food and drink that were offered to her. From deep within, she reached for courage. If Adriana were there, her lady-in-waiting would offer words of encouragement, insisting that they would be rescued. Although she knew her friend had managed to escape, using the blade she’d stolen from their guard, Berengaria was afraid of what would happen if they caught her. They wouldn’t hesitate to take her life, in return for the men Adriana had wounded. Berengaria closed her eyes, hoping to God the young woman was still alive.
The noise of battle rose within the air like the rumbling of thunder, and Berengaria’s heart raced as the crusaders surrounded the fortress. She lost count of the dozens of armored men who poured through the gates and tried not to stare at the death and destruction that was happening all around her.
At last, she spied Richard. He was mounted on horseback, fully armed, and his chainmail glinted with gold and silver. Tall and strong, he rode forward, his sword cutting down the men who dared to oppose him. She understood now why they named him Lionheart, for not once did he flinch in battle. When hefinally spied her, she couldn’t stop the smile that broke forth. The look in his eyes was filled with relief, and she wanted nothing more than to race forward and fall into his arms.
But something reflected against her eyes, forcing her to look up. It was then that she saw the dozens of archers with their bows drawn . . . aimed directly at her and Joan.
Chapter Four
Liam kept Adriana close to his side. It hadn’t taken long to find the princess and queen, given Isaac Komnenus’s desire to display them. Richard had responded by bringing the full force of his army to attack Limassol, and his war ships had moved into position, surrounding the Isle of Cyprus.
Isaac was going to lose this battle, and he knew it. The only question was whether they could rescue Princess Berengaria and Queen Joan in time.
Though Liam didn’t like bringing Adriana into a dangerous battle with him, neither could he leave her behind. She had a blade palmed in her hand, and she remained at his side. Unlike most women, she didn’t cower at the sight of blood or death. Instead, her eyes were alert, her body poised to fight if needed.
He’d never met another woman like her. She fascinated him, and when this was over, he intended to pursue her openly.
When they reached the center of the fortress, Adriana moved as close as she could to Berengaria and Joan without drawingnotice. Both women stood upon the dais, but Adriana managed to find a place upon the stairs behind several of the guards. Liam remained nearby, but he still had a clear view of the emperor.
He suspected that Isaac Komnenus hadn’t known how vast Richard’s forces were. It had taken only a matter of hours to take Limassol, and now the man’s life lay in the king’s hands.
With the help of a translator, the emperor came forward to speak with Richard. “An invasion was not necessary. We could have negotiated a truce between us.”
Liam saw the king’s mouth twitch, as if Richard were struggling to hold back his temper. “And why would I seek to negotiate with a man who seized my betrothed wife and my sister, stole our treasures, and murdered my soldiers?” He gestured for two dozen of his men to come forward, surrounding the king.
“If I signal my archers, your women will die,” the emperor responded.
“If you harm them, so shall your daughter die.” Richard nodded towards the back of the fortress where several soldiers held a young girl captive. She was sobbing with fear, knowing that her life lay in the soldiers’ hands.
The emperor’s face reddened with fury. And then, when he gave a signal, Liam glanced up to see the archers poised.
“Adriana!” he warned, just as she tore the shield free of his arm. He watched in horror as she leaped onto the dais and threw herself in front of the princess and queen. Half a dozen arrows embedded within the wooden shield, and Liam followed her lead, seizing another shield to protect Berengaria and Joan.
God above, she could have been killed.Adriana hadn’t hesitated to offer her life for the princess’s, and Liam hadn’t known how it would feel to see her in such danger. The need to guard her went beyond anything he’d ever felt, and he stood beside her with his own shield, prepared to defend her. Bothof them held their shields and weapons steady, guarding the women.
All around them, Richard’s men charged forward while Liam held his position beside Adriana with his sword drawn. Though he could see the fear on her face, she never lowered her shield from the women. Her bravery was undeniable, and nothing would make him leave her side.
Arrows shot through the sky, taking down the emperor’s archers while steel clashed against steel. One man dared to come too close, and Liam struck him down as the man aimed his blade. Another tried to attack Adriana, but Liam seized a spear and ended the man’s life, just as Adriana’s dagger pierced him.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “But I wasn’t going to take a chance with your life.”
Her expression held gratitude as she gave him a nod. It took only a few more moments for the king to gain the upper hand as the emperor’s men fled in defeat. Soldiers surrounded Isaac Komnenus, their weapons drawn. The emperor’s daughter remained a hostage, but to Richard’s credit, he had not harmed her.
At last, the fighting ceased within the fortress, and Richard held possession of Cyprus. The king walked closer, and Liam lowered his voice. “Don’t move,” he murmured to Adriana. “This isn’t over yet.”
She ventured an unsteady smile. “I’ll be glad when it is.”
“Your Grace,” the emperor begged, “I wish there to be peace between us. As compensation for your losses, I will offer twenty thousand gold marks. In addition, I offer my only daughter as your hostage, and I will join my men with yours to fight on Crusade.”
Soldiers gripped Isaac’s arms, and Richard moved in, towering above the man. “We will discuss the terms later.”
“Not in irons, Your Grace. I beg of you, do not place me in irons.”
