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again, thinking of the lost ransoms. Simon pointed out that is spite of the misfortunes, Richard had dealt Saladin a severe blow. The ship had been bringing a huge supply of arms and a large contingent of selected reinforcements to Acre. Richard acknowledged the truth of that somewhat less glumly. Before he had even landed, the King remarked, he had probably done more to ensure the fall of the city than Philip and all his men. Nonetheless, he had not forgotten what he considered the basic cause of his failure to take the ship. As soon as the galleys were in position and they were set on their course again, Richard disappeared into the women's tent. |
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"We will not sail together again," he said abruptly to Berengaria. "My need to protect you has cost me a priceless prize." |
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"I am sorry, my lord," Berengaria whispered. "Your will is mine. As you direct, so shall everything be done." |
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Richard opened his mouth and closed it again with a snap. Alinor silently ground her teeth. The King was angry and frustrated. He was a man with a roaring temper. His soldiers had been loyal and fought hard; he could not rage at them, yet he needed to rage at something. What Berengaria should have done was curse her husband roundly, perhaps telling him something silly, such as instead of blaming her he should have put shields over the tent and joined the battle. Very possibly that would have gained her a few bruises because Richard might have beaten her. That was nothing. It would also have gained her the inestimable prize of being a safe outlet for her husband's emotions. The King was no fool. If after giving him an excuse to vent his temper Berengaria had soothed him with submission, he would have understood her value to him. |
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It was too late now, Alinor thought. Richard was saying coldly, "I did but wish you to understand why |
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