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Queen, but she had hesitated to talk about Simon without some good reason. She had not forgotten how oddly the Queen had looked at her; how she had said "Sir Simon has become very great with you." Now, however, the letter was an excuse and it had come at an excellent time too. Since the King was in London, the Queen was less occupied with business. Moreover, Richard intended to stay in London more than a week so that now, at the beginning of his time in the city, the Queen was not taken up with last-minute conferences. |
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"I have letters from Sir Simon," Alinor said, curtsying gracefully. |
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"Simon sent a messenger to you from Wales?" the Queen asked sharply. |
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It had been very wise, Alinor thought, not to raise the subject of Simon without a good cause. She did not mind the Queen's question. She was prepared for that. "No, Madam. I sent the messenger to Beorn, my master-at-arms, who is serving with Sir Simon. Since the man had to return, I suppose it seemed reasonable to use him." |
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"Why did you send a message to your master-at-arms?" |
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"Because I wish to know what my men are doing and how they are used," Alinor said firmly. |
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The Queen stared at her, then smiled and nodded. "I would have done the same. Where is the letter?" |
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Alinor handed it to her and watched her break the seal. In a very short time, the Queen raised her eyes. "You received a letter too?" |
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Alinor handed it over, watched while the Queen perused it, and received it back. |
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"I wonder," Queen Alinor said bemusedly, "why he bothered to write. Usually Simon's letters are excellent. |
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