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Page 409
it? Or Montferrat? As soon as the King sets foot aboard ship, it will fall again. If Philip attacks Normandy, and it is there his eyes look, I am sure, the King will go home. Then, beloved, we too can go home."
"Not before I have the promise of you," Simon growled. "I thought I would have it when we took the city by storm, but they yielded. And now is no time to ask for favors. You are right, Alinor, but I wish I knew what was happening in England. I spoke to Robert of Leicester when he came, although not long because the King was still sick then, but even his news is four months old."
"I spoke with him also. You were right when you said the Bishop of Rouen would draw in Lord John, and he has. Simon, will there be war?"
"How can I know?" Simon snarled, snatching the unoffending head off a flower and crushing it in his hand.
No one's temper improved. Philip left Acre on July 31 and a week later sailed for France from Tyre. On August 11 the Saracen hostages were brought to the agreed-upon meeting place, but neither the relics of the Cross nor the noble Christian prisoners were offered in exchange. Richard raged. Saladin sent soothing messages. Richard agreed to wait a few days more. On the night of August 13, Richard came to his wife's chamber and stood in the doorway.
"It is a sin," he thundered.
Berengaria turned white. "What? What have I done?" she faltered. "I will amend it. Only tell me, and I will amend it."
The King's eyes bulged so with fury that Alinor, withdrawn into a shadowy corner, thought they would fall out onto the floor. Joanna rose from her chair, but before she could move Richard turned on her.
"Sit you down and bite your tongue!" he shrieked. "All we have failed in since we have come to this

 
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