His own presence would be like the dropping of a bomb at her feet.

In that moment, when she saw what he was risking for her, that he was determined to possess her, would she not surrender to the pleading of his love?
If not he would do the other thing--that which had brought the joyous laugh to his lips.

All was fair in war and love, and theirs was a game of love.

Because of her love for him Meleese had kidnapped him from his post of duty, had sent him a prisoner to this death-house in the wilderness.

Love had exculpated her.