It was hard not to notice that villagers were lingering around them and Dawn was certain that they were curious as to how the notorious Cree would handle the delicate situation. Dawn wondered herself and so she waited, her eyes on Cree.

Lucerne gave a haughty lift of her chin and spoke before allowing Cree to answer. Is this poor peasant in need of help that she dares to keep hold of your arm?

Fear of punishment would have had Dawn removing her hand immediately but she had no fear of retribution from Cree and for some reason, she found surprising, Lucerne did not intimidate her. What had surprised her was Crees reaction. He had placed his hand over hers. Was he warning her to remain as she was or was he making it known to Lucerne that Dawn belonged to him?

Cree finally spoke. I have matters to see to. He gave Neil a nod and the warrior walked over to them. Neil will escort you back to the keep.

Lucernes blue eyes turned stormy and she appeared ready to protest when suddenly she turned a brilliant smile on Cree. Another time, my lord, though could I be so bold as to ask for an introduction to the woman who obviously takes you away from me.

Dawn waited. It would be rude of Cree to ignore her request so sweetly asked though laced with sarcasm and with so many villagers watching curiously. Though if there was one thing that she had learned about Cree it was that he did not care what people thought of him or if he was mannerly.

You will meet everyone in good time, Cree said.

Lucerne stiffened and looked to Dawn. Im sure the peasant wouldnt mind telling me her name.

Another time, Cree commanded so sternly that Lucerne took a step back. He nodded to Neil, and then turned forcing Dawn along with him since his hand rested even more firmly over her hand.

A shiver ran through Dawn and her stomach churned, for she realized at that moment Cree had made a difficult situation worse. Once Lucerne found out that she was Crees mistress there would be no telling what she would do. Crees wrath was one thing; it was there for all to see and fear. Whereas a womans wrath could be secreted away until she decided to let it loose and still one might not see it coming until too late.

Dawn wanted to glance back and see if Lucerne watched them, but she dared not give the woman the satisfaction to think that she had been disturbed by the exchange. And furthermore she intended to find out what she could about Lucerne and the one person who could help her do that was Flanna.

She wished she could speak to Cree about his forthcoming marriage but when he had told her that he was to wed, the arrangement having been made; he also decreed that they would speak of it no more. It had been settled; he would wed and shed remain his mistress.

Her churning stomach grew worse possibly because of her growing concerns or perhaps it was the babe protesting the bit of food she had eaten before leaving the cottage. It seemed that he did not like particular food or perhaps he was just as contrary as his da. She thought to tug on Crees arm and have him stop a moment but they werent that far from Elsas cottage where she could sit and hopefully calm her protesting stomach.

They were a few steps from the cottage when Dawn realized that she could not keep her stomach from heaving. She let go of Crees arm and ran around the side of the cottage to the edge of the woods to let her stomach relieve itself.

She hadnt expected him to follow or have his arm go around her waist or his hand to pull her hair away from her face as she retched. And when she was done he scooped up a bit of clean snow and wiped it gently across her mouth. After tossing it aside he lifted her into his arms and shoved Elsas door open with his shoulder and carried her inside.

Elsa pointed to the bed in the corner. What is she doing out in the cold?

Cree scowled at Dawn after placing her on the bed. I should not have listened to nonsense of fresh air.

The door flew open and Sloan rushed in. An issue that needs your immediate attention, my lord.

Elsa shooed Cree to the door while assuaging his concerns. Go and see to your duty. I will see to Dawn and not let her leave until her guard arrives to see her home.

Relief flooded him and knowing that Elsa would keep her word, he left Dawn in the healers care.

No soon as the door closed then Elsa was at Dawns side. I know you carry Crees babe and he is not an ignorant man and will surmise for himself soon enough. Elsa pulled the folded blanket at the bottom of the bed up and over Dawn to tuck around her. Do not wait too long to tell him. Now rest, the babe tires you.

Dawn didnt need reminding that Cree was no fool. She knew hed realize soon enough that she was with child, but she wasnt ready yet to tell him and she wasnt tired. She wanted to go back outside and let the cold air sting her cheeks, watch the children at play and the villagers busy at their tasks. She wanted to talk with her friend, visit Old Mary and not be a prisoner anymore.

She turned on her side wishing there was some way she could escape and freely roam the village a bit before returning home. The heavens must have heard her. A young warrior hurried into the cottage demanding Elsa go with him. His wife was having their baby right now and he wouldnt be surprised if the babe hadnt arrived already.

Elsa was quick to calm the frantic man who no doubt had gone into battle with less fear than he was experiencing now and just as quickly gathered her things to leave. Dawn waited a moment after they left and was glad she did since Elsa popped her head back in a few moments later, as if checking to see that Dawn still slept. After she heard the door close again, she waited to make certain Elsa hadnt planned another surprise return and when several silent minutes followed she got out of bed, grabbed her cloak from the peg and peeked outside.

Neil stood there smiling and she grinned and nodded at the warrior who guarded her throughout the day. She should have known that Elsa was too faithful to Cree to leave Dawn alone at the cottage. It also gave her pause to think that Elsa might not keep her secret about the babe from Cree much longer.

She walked through the village with Neil now eager to get home, eager for solitude once more. When they were only a few feet from the cottage, Neil suddenly jumped in front of her letting out a roar similar to the one she had heard Cree cry out, though Neils was not as ferocious, and then he pushed her to the ground shielding her with his body.

They were surrounded by warriors in minutes. Neil issued orders for some of the warriors to search the woods in the back of the cottage, and then he yanked her up off the ground and quickly shoved her into the safety of her cottage. It was only then that she noticed he had an arrow sticking through his arm. He had taken the arrow meant for her.

Are you hurt? Neil asked.

Her eyes turned wide and she frantically pointed at the arrow sticking through the muscle in his upper arm.

Thats a wee bit of a bother, nothing more, he assured her after glancing at it. Youre not hurt?

The man stood with an arrow in his arm more worried about her than his own injury. She shook her head and shooed him to the door with one hand while pointing to the arrow with the other.

Ill have Elsa tend it as soon as Cree arrives and I finish telling him about the incident.

She shook her head furiously, stomped her foot, and pointed to the door.

No use in arguing with me; I take my orders from Cree.

Dawn was never more relieved to see the door open and Cree enter along with Sloan and Elsa. Cree walked over to her while Elsa went directly to Neil.

She had been asked enough if she was all right and so she stopped Cree before he could repeat it and patted her chest and held up her hand assuring him that she was fine. She then pointed to Neil and demonstrated how he threw himself in front of her and knocked her to the ground shielding her.

Cree ran his hand along her face as if ascertaining for himself that she spoke the truth, that she was unharmed. The gentle gesture was her undoing. She swayed and pressed her brow to his chest. His arms went protectively around her and he drew her tightly against him.

Youre safe, Cree whispered and then looked to Neil. Tell me what happened.

While Elsa examined the wound, Neil explained. I saw movement in the woods to the side of the cottage and I didnt wait, I stepped in front of Dawn and took her to the ground. I wish I could report that I saw the culprit, but it was movement that stirred me into action.

Elsa interrupted. I need to get this arrow out and the wound cleansed and bound. And he needs to remain at my cottage for the night so that I can make sure that the wound shows no signs of rotting and he no signs of fever.

Go on with you, Neil teased. You just want my hulking body in your bed.

Dreams do come true, Neil, that they do, Elsa teased right back.

Take good care of him, Elsa, Cree said. He is to be rewarded for what he has done here this day.

I have my reward, my lord... a home after years of constant battle.

Dawn felt her chest swell seeing the teardrop that lingered at the corner of Neils one eye. The man would do anything for Cree and all because Cree had made certain that his men had been provided with a home. And at what cost?

You will be rewarded, Neil, and Ill hear no more about it, Cree ordered. Now go with Elsa and you will not return to your duties until Elsa says you are well enough.

Neil looked ready to protest; a look from Cree stilled his objection.

Elsa hustled him out the door, the two arguing like an old married couple.

Cree turned to Sloan. You know what to do; I will join you in a moment.

Dawn couldnt hide her disappointment that he would be leaving her. She didnt want him to leave; she wanted him to stay there with her and hold her tight and let the whole world disappear for the rest of the day. But that would not be, no matter how much she wanted it.

He lifted her chin, Dawn not realizing it had drooped. He brushed his lips over hers and then kissed her ever so gently, as if he was afraid shed break. It sent a shiver of passion through her and she wished again that he would stay.

I must see to this, he said and this time kissed her, not with a fiery passion but with a taste of temptation, almost as if he purposely teased her. I will return later, after supper.

She placed her hand over his heart.

He smiled and stole a quick kiss. I promise. Nothing will keep me from you this night.

She nodded and forced a smile, praying that it was true and he would return to her this evening.

You will not leave this cottage the rest of today, Cree ordered.

She crossed her heart.

You promise me? he asked as if shocked. You know I will hold you to it.

She nodded and crossed her heart again, then narrowed her eyes and pointed her finger at him.

Is that a but I hear?

She grinned and nodded. He would never know how very much he pleased her when he spoke with her, as if he could actually hear her.

Im listening, he said, pushing a stray strand of her hair behind her ear and giving her a playful kiss.

He was not taking her seriously and this was important to her. She frowned and scolded with a shake of her finger.

It is important.

She pressed her finger once against his arm confirming that it was.

You have my attention, he said, his dark eyes steady on hers.

She pointed to him and then to herself and then tapped her mouth.

We need to talk. About what?

Dawn pointed around the room and then held her wrists together as if shackled.

You are no prisoner, he said adamantly.

She pointed to him, and then to her and tapped her mouth again and waved her hand.

You want to discuss this later but I tell you now that you are no prisoner.

She titled her head and placed her hands on her hips.

Youre going to be stubborn about this arent you?

She nodded, her expression softened and her hand reached out to rest against this chest.

If it is that important to you we will talk.

Dawn nodded and tapped his chest thanking him.

I will see you later, he said and gave her a brief kiss before heading out the door.

Dawn slipped off her cloak and after hanging it on the peg, she went and retrieved the comb she had hid behind the baskets the first day she had entered the cottage. She unwrapped the cloth she kept it in and admired the intricate design carved along the top of the bone comb. It had been her mums and she had kept it hidden these many years. Her mum had warned her that if she showed it to anyone someone would accuse her of stealing it for a peasant should not own such a fine item. But her mum had assured her that it had not been stolen that it had been given to her by a generous person who felt that a mother should have something to pass onto her daughter.

Dawn took it out to look upon every time she felt the need to feel her mum near. Her mum had taught her to be strong and brave even against great odds. She supposed that was why she had held onto the possibility that Cree would someday love her enough to wed her.

However, she had spent enough time on dreams. Her life was in danger and it made no sense why. She was a peasant, an insignificant lass. Why would anyone want her dead?

She needed to find out for herself what was going on and she knew where to start and who could help her.

A knock sounded at the door and it opened. Dawn smiled as the person she was thinking about walked in.

Chapter Five.

Flanna placed a fresh pitcher of cider and a basket covered with a cloth on the table, then reached out to take Dawns hand. Are you all right?

Dawn smiled, nodded, and gave Flannas hand a reassuring squeeze. It wasnt only this incident today that had people wondering over how she faired. She had hid herself away, feeling sorry for her circumstances instead of staying strong like her mum had taught her. She did not know what fate she would face once it was known that she carried Crees babe, but she intended to keep her courage no matter the outcome.

She was suddenly hungry and eagerly snatched the cloth off the basket.

I will do that, Flanna said chasing her hands away. You sit and rest yourself.

No more rest, Dawn thought. She had had enough of it.

Flanna placed bread and cheese on the table in front of Dawn and filled a tankard with cider as she talked. Cree is furious that more men have been sent to do you harm. He worries greatly over your well-being and well he should. There is talk" Flanna stopped and shook her head as if silently scolding herself.

Dawn was pleased that Flanna spoke freely in front of her and curious why she suddenly stopped. She patted Flannas arm, shrugged, and wrinkled her brow in question.

I do not wish to add to your ailing. You have enough to concern yourself with.

Flanna worried about her as did others and it pleased Dawn to know that people cared for her, though she wanted no one feeling sorry for her. Dawn thumped her chest and grinned as she threw her arms wide.

Flanna laughed. You feel better.

Dawn threw her hands up and around as if forming a big ball.

Much better, Flanna corrected and Dawn confirmed with a nod.