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Page 276
mean to hurt you. I see now I held my value too high when I desired you in wedlock. I have been well lessoned. I hold myself more lowly now. If it will besmirch your honor to strive for me as a wife, appoint me a time, and I will come to your bed."
"What?"
Tears filled Alinor's eyes and slipped silently down her cheeks, but she did not sob. Her voice was only a little lower. "Will you make me say it again? You are a hard master, Simon. I said I would come to your bed at your pleasure. Say me when. Here? Now?"
"Are you mad?"
"No, I suppose this is not a suitable place. When we come ashore?"
Because Alinor's eyes were tear-filled and downcast she did not see the slap that knocked her down. Simon knelt over her, his face purple with rage.
"I wish I had some cleansing herbs to wash out your mouth!" he roared. "I wish I knew what could be used to wash out your mind! Where did you come by such a thought? How dare you say such filth to me."
Alinor lay silent, her eyes starting wide, completely dumbfounded. Simon seized her by the shoulders, lifted her, and shook her until she thought her head would snap from her neck.
"If you ever say such to me again, I will beat you witless," he bellowed. "Who taught you such a thing?"
"Oh, Simon, stop," Alinor gasped, beginning to struggle against him. She was laughing and crying at once. "Stop. It was the Queen."
"What!"
This time the level of Simon's voice was such that Alinor released his arms, which she had been attempting to hold to reduce the impact of his shaking, and clapped her hands to her ears. Fortunately his shock also checked his activity before he broke Alinor's neck.
"If I answer you, will you shake me again?" Alinor asked cautiously.

 
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