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on her well-schooled features, and her needle did not hesitate on the work with which she busied herself. All she could think of was that she must get away from the Court. If only she could be with Simon as she had been at Roselynde, she could mend the breach that had opened between them. When she heard his step, she lifted her head. |
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''Sir Simon," she called imperiously. |
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He hesitated, as if he wished to ignore her, then walked across to her quickly. Alinor drew in her breath. Something had happened. Simon's eyes were alight. Alinor, however, felt no relief. She recognized that excited, leashed-in pleasure. Just so had Simon looked when the King ordered him to war in Wales. He looked at her, but Alinor thought he scarcely saw her until he smiled. The words she had prepared died upon her lips. |
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"What is it?" she asked breathlessly. |
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"I have no time to tell you," he replied, his deep voice lighter than usual and almost laughing, "and I do not know whether I am permitted to speak in any case. I must ride back to Sussex, but I will return within the week." He hesitated, the light in his eyes dimming a trifle as if some anger or doubt crossed his mind. "I need to talk to you, but for that I need leisure lest there be worse misunderstanding." Suddenly he balled a fist and shook it in her face. "For God's sake, Alinor, do not anger the Queen. If you do, I will beat you witless." |
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With that, he was gone, leaving Alinor half demented between rage and hope. Her condition was not improved when she was summoned to the Queen. Having asked with genuine anxiety how she had offended, Alinor received a glance of surprise. |
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"Whatever made you think I was offended?" the Queen asked. |
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"Simon" Alinor faltered, dizzy with confusion, "he saidHe said I was not to anger you." |
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The Queen shrugged. "I must suppose it was in the |
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