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Page 50
needs a warden as I need a second head. Anything I do or say will be bitterly resented."
"Of course," the Queen agreed, frowning in worried puzzlement. "There is naught for you to do but judge what the income from the lands should be so that the King receives his rightful due. And for this light duty you may take a tithewhich is rich pay for little labor. I ask again, what ails you? What mislike you in this duty?"
"I will take no tithe from the pittance that will remain to the King's ward," he snapped. Then, horrified at the implication of his words, he passed his free hand over his face. "I beg your pardon, Madam. I know you mean to do the best in your power for Lady Alinor."
The apology was welcome, but he had not answered her question and, it appeared, had no intention of doing so. The Queen shrugged angrily. "Very well. It is some embarrassment to me, but I will not press an old friend into an unwelcome task. I shall seek out another warden."
"No!" Simon exclaimed forcibly.
The Queen gaped at him and then shook her head. She could swear that he was as surprised as she by what he had said. "Will you deign to tell me, then, what it is you desire?" she asked furiously.
Simon had not answered the Queen's question because he had no idea what answer to give. He did not know why he should resist what anyone in his right mind would scheme and beg and pay richly to obtain. He knew, indeed, that Queen Alinor had chosen him because she had taken a liking to the girl, because she trusted him not to rob an innocent child. A rapacious warden could ruin even such rich lands as these and oppress the vassals until they turned rebellious. But the Queen had been considering his good also. A careful man could recompense himself richly from such a post without damaging the ward's heritage or cheating the King.

 
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