< previous page page_46 next page >

Page 46
free to go," but she took Alinor by one hand and Simon by the other, keeping them with her as the others withdrew.
As the Great Hall began to empty the Queen sank back into her chair and turned her eyes to Alinor. "I hope you believe now that I spoke the truth in your chamber."
"I can see that my vassals are well pleased, Your Grace. Thus I do know that you have dealt kindly and truthfully with me." She hesitated and then, as usual, spoke her irritation aloud. "Sir Simon, however, does not seem exactly overjoyed at having me in his care."
"And should he be?" the Queen asked mischievously. "He has had two long talks with Sir Andre and Sir John. Perhaps they have told him you are no meek and obedient maid."
"If they spoke of me at all," Alinor answered stoutly, "I am sure they spoke no ill. Meek, possibly I am not, but I am obedient to reason."
"That is a round answer," the Queen acknowledged a little too gravely, "and shows a most proper and touching trust in your vassals' loyalty and prudence."
"Which surely I have good reason to trust." But Alinor was over her momentary crossness. She was aware that the Queen was teasing her, and her eyes laughed.
"Most surely. So then, Simon, do not look so black and explain how it comes about that you have a misliking to this duty."
The lightness of the Queen's tone did not communicate itself to her liegeman. He was no longer pale, but his face remained closed. "I can assure you that it has no source in the Lady Alinor," he prevaricated. "Her faith in her vassals is well founded, so far as I can tell, for we did not speak of her at all. I did not know, you see, that I would soon be so intimately connected with her affairs, and did not wish to ask questions about what did not concern me."
Both women looked at him, Alinor really angry and

 
< previous page page_46 next page >