I told you before and I will say it again so that Lady Ann is well aware of it. Dawn is my first and only concern. What becomes of anyone besides Dawn matters not to me. You both will do well to remember that.

What of Lucerne? Lady Ann asked. She has been a good daughter and none of this is her fault.

I will offer her a home here in Dowell, Cree said.

As a peasant? Lady Ann asked incredulously.

Dawn is a peasant. I do not see you worrying about her status.

She can go with Kirk and have a good life, Lady Ann said, as if it solved the problem.

Dawn isnt going anywhere, Cree said adamantly. She will remain here with me and I will wed here.

Lady Ann gasped again. You cannot be serious.

I am very serious; it will be done, Cree warned. You will either cooperate or suffer the consequences.

Is that a threat? Lady Ann demanded.

You are no fool, Lady Ann, you know full well it is a threat.

Lets calm down and discuss this, Kirk said attempting to be the voice of reason.

If there was time, we could discuss it, Cree said, but thanks to the King there is no time. This is the way it will be and nothing is going to change that. Now we can work together to make this easier on everyone or I will handle it myself and let those suffer as they may.

Lady Ann clung to Kirk and he in turn glared at Cree. Truly, Cree, cant you be a little more understanding of this delicate situation?

Before Cree could respond, there was a pounding at the door and it flew open, and Sloan rushed in. Cree sent him a potent scowl.

Sorry, my lord, Sloan apologized, but there is an emergency with Dawn.

Chapter Twenty-nine.

Dawn stared wide-eyed at Lucerne.

You dont believe me, Lucerne said disappointed. I need someone to believe me, someone to help me, someone that doesnt think Im crazy when I tell them that I am being poisoned.

Dawn didnt know what to think. The woman had been so irrational at times that it was difficult to believe anything she said. And to think that someone was poisoning her was a bit farfetched, yet she had to agree with Lucerne when she had said things are never what they seem.

Dawn shrugged, though kept her shoulders up and cocked her head in question.

Why?

Dawn nodded.

I wish I knew. I think that is why no one believes me. Why would anyone want to poison me? I had confided my fear to my mother but she has always thought that I was overwrought and paid me no heed. Roy believed me. He was one of my fathers warriors, one of the better and more skillful ones. Lucerne wiped another tear away. We fell in love and when I told Roy that I thought I was being poisoned, he began making plans for us to leave. And then the news came that I was to wed Cree, "she shivered"we hurried our plans along and the day before we were to make our escape, Roy was killed in an accident or so my father says. I believe he discovered our plans and had Roy killed.

I was numb with grief and had no time to grieve. I was packed up and began my journey here the very next day with my mother warning me not to be a foolish woman. She told me that a man like Cree would not tolerate simpering women. That I was to take charge upon meeting him and let him know that I would be a strong and capable wife.

Lucerne laughed and shook her head. I feared Cree upon meeting him, but obeyed my mother and made my situation worse. I had also thought that the poisoning would stop but it didnt, it followed me here.

Dawn eyed her skeptically. Was the distraught woman imagining things or could her story be true? Dawn wanted to be sympathetic, especially if her story was true. To lose the man she loved was horrifying but to think that her father may have had him killed on purpose was abhorrent. It made Lucerne just as much a prisoner as Dawn, leaving neither of them choices, but rather chattel to be given away or sold at whim. But she also had to be cautious. There were so many secrets that it made Dawn wonder which ones held the truth.

I hoped you would understand and help me, but I see in your eyes that you dont believe me, Lucerne said her shoulders slumping, as if the weight of her burden had just grown heavier.

Dawn reached out and took hold of her hand, her decision to throw caution aside an instinctive one. Why should she believe this woman? Perhaps it was the way tears filled her eyes, how her voice cracked, and how sorrow gripped her face when she spoke of losing the man she loved.

Dawn squeezed her hand, nodded her head, and then patted her chest and pointed to the woman.

You do believe me and will help me? Lucerne asked hopefully.

Dawn smiled and nodded vigorously.

Lucerne gripped Dawns hand tightly. I thought the stories about you were idle-tongue gossip, but the more I learned, the more I realized the truth behind them. You are a brave woman to not only defy Cree, but to help and protect others, and you have the strength to love and tame the devil.

The terrifying roar rattled the door and had both women jumping out of their seats and clinging to each other.

My God, if that is Crees battle cry no wonder he is so feared, Lucerne said trembling beside Dawn.

DAWN! The shout hit the walls of the cottage like a battling ram. OPEN THE DOOR OR ILL BREAK IT DOWN!

Dawn trembled a bit herself worrying that perhaps this time she had pushed him too far. She left Lucerne, who reluctantly released the grip she had on Dawn, and went to open the door, though jumped back as she did to take a protective stance in front of Lucerne.

Cree stormed in the cottage, pushing the door open the remainder of the way so hard that Dawn thought she heard the wood crack. Sloan entered behind him and hurried to shut the door on the curious faces that had gathered outside.

Cree went to say something when he suddenly stopped, his dark eyes roaming over Dawn and she could have sworn that she saw a spark of pleasure and appreciation in them, and she realized it was the red velvet gown that had caused his unexpected reaction. She almost smiled, though stopped herself. Now was not the time for grins.

Explain yourself, Cree demanded though not quite as forcefully as Dawn had expected. The dress had worked magic and she would have to remember that.

She was more than happy to have the chance to do just that. She pointed over her shoulder at Lucerne, then tapped her chest, then her lips and rolled her finger over and over in front of her mouth.

Lucerne wanted to talk with you? he asked.

She nodded.

About what?

She puckered her lips and tapped her finger to them.

A secret?

Lucerne gasped.

Dawn turned to Lucerne and took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before releasing it and stepping close to Cree. His arm instinctively circled her waist and her heart, as usual, melted to his touch. How she could have ever thought what they shared was sinful, she didnt know, and it mattered not to her now. Cree loved her and they trusted each other and that was the only thing that mattered.

She looked to Lucerne, pressed her hand to her chest, then to Crees, and then back to her chest.

Dawn is telling you that we trust each other explicitly and share all things with each other. What you shared with her, you can safely share with me.

Lucerne burst into tears and lowered her face into her cupped hands.

Cree shot Sloan a sharp nod and Sloan rolled his eyes, but before he could go to Lucerne, Dawn slipped away from Cree, to his annoyance, and went to Lucerne and wrapped her arms around her. The woman melted against Dawn and wept. When it didnt seem as if she would ever stop, Dawn eased her down to sit on a chair by the table. She then hunched down in front of her and tapped her finger at Lucernes lips and pointed to Cree.

He wont believe me.

Do you believe her, Dawn? Cree asked.

Dawn nodded without hesitation.

I trust Dawns judgment. If she believes you than so do I.

But Ive been such a shrew, Lucerne said.

There you go, Cree said. You have finally spoken the truth, so I now have reason to believe you. Dawn sent a scolding look his way and he ignored it. Now tell me this secret that has obviously caused a problem so that I may see to resolving it.

Her wound giving her a bit of an ache, Dawn took the chair closest to Lucerne, the young woman refusing to let go of her hand.

Cree was quick to ask, Are you all right?

Dawn nodded and waved his concern off.

You will not dismiss my concern that easily, he snapped.

Dawn felt Lucerne quiver and not wanting to make the situation any more difficult, she tapped her chest and bowed her head as if apologizing. Then tapped her chest again though slowly this time and gave him a gentle smile to let him know she was fine.

Thats better, he said with a wicked grin and Dawn narrowed her eyes at him. Thats even better, now I know for sure that youre all right. Cree turned to Lucerne and ordered, Tell me.

With a voice that quivered now and then, Lucerne related the same story to Cree that she had to Dawn. When she finished and Cree had remained silent, Dawn wondered if perhaps he didnt believe her after all. But she dismissed the thought as soon as it entered her mind. Cree had said that he trusted her judgment and he was a man of his word.

Cree finally spoke. It wasnt you who tainted my food that night?

Lucerne shook her head.

Why did you beat Bree? Cree asked.

Lucernes eyes turned wide. I never touched her. I thought perhaps she displeased you somehow and you took a hand to her or ordered another to do so.

Have you always been so mean-spirited?

Lucerne displayed no shock at his query, though her shoulders slumped, her burden weighing on her once more. She rubbed at her temple. I do not believe I have been, but then lately it is as if I dont know myself, my headaches have worsened since my arrival here.

Cree looked to Sloan. Find out what Bree has been up to. He turned back to Lucerne. Youre coming with me to see Elsa. He then settled a glare on Dawn. And youre staying put here.

Dawn stood much too fast sending a sharp twinge to her side and caused her to involuntarily cringe.

Cree mumbled an oath and was beside her in an instant, his arm curling gently around her waist. You will rest and I will not hear another word about it.

Dawn jabbed at her chest and then at his.

You most certainly are not going with me.

Dawn did not want to argue with him, but she also did not want to be left in the cottage to pace and wonder what she was missing. She rested her head to his chest and patted it and then her own repeating the gesture several times.

Pleading will do you no good, Cree said gently.

She thought of something that might do her some good. She held her wrists together as if shackled.

I have told you time and again that you are not a prisoner But she is... as am I, Lucerne said.

Dawn wasnt surprised to know Lucerne felt the same as she did, though she was surprised to hear her voice her opinion without sounding shrewish.

Cree looked from one woman to the other, though the only one that truly mattered to him was Dawn, he suddenly had a better understanding of Lucerne. And it surprised him to realize that her situation paralleled Dawns. They each had been forced into circumstances that had allowed no choices.

He was growing more and more annoyed that this whole situation was taking twists and turns that outmaneuvered him too many times. Now he felt more than a sense of responsibility to Lucerne. The two women both were pawns in a deadly game... a game Cree intended to win. Until then he needed to keep them both safe.

Cree found an easy solution to his current problem, wishing everything else was so easily solved. He took hold of Dawns chin. You may come with us so that Elsa can have a look at your wound and assure me that all is well.

Dawn smiled and nodded happily.

He gave her a quick kiss before releasing her chin and turning to Lucerne. And you will tell no one what was discussed here. You will let everyone think that you came here to confront Dawn as your mother had advised.

What shall I say was Dawns response? Lucerne asked.

Tell her that I intervened before you had time to speak with her.

Lucerne looked relieved and nodded.

Sloan, take Lucerne outside and wait for us, Cree ordered.

Sloan nodded and the pair left, though not before Lucerne turned to Dawn and said, Thank you.

As soon as the door closed, Cree eased her close against him, burying his face in her damp hair and inhaling gently, then he brought his lips to her ear and whispered, You smell... inviting... and that dress... entices.

Dawn shivered, his warm breath tickling her ear and she instinctively turned her head to capture his lips in a much needed kiss. He was tender, she was hungry, and it didnt take long for him to feel the same. And before either of them lost control, Cree stepped away, his breath heavy and his groin throbbing.

We need to go now, he demanded and she nodded agreeing.

He grabbed her cloak off the peg and draped it over her shoulders, though avoided touching her, and before he opened the door he turned to her and said, Tonight I intend to feast on you.

Dawn nearly stumbled out the door, his words creating an image in her head that tingled her entire body senseless. He had done it on purpose, for he knew full well what his words would do to her. All she could think about was him licking and nipping every inch of her naked flesh.