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"I can do no more than I have done," the Queen snapped. "The matter rests with the King." |
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"Yes, Your Grace," Alinor agreed, "so Sir Simon told me, but I thought you should know that he intends to take it to the King today." |
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The Queen sat quite still, her eyes unfocused. Alinor watched her face fearfully, but no such pallor of rage as had disfigured her the previous day appeared. Then, suddenly, she looked intently at Alinor. |
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"You mean that Simon will accuse Longchamp of this in open Court?" |
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Alinor swallowed. "That was his intention." |
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Again the Queen fell silent. Her tongue moved slowly across her upper lip, which was chapped raw by the bitter weather they had traveled through. She nodded twice slowly. "It was well thought of, although I would not have urged such a dangerous ploy." |
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"I did not urge it. I did not even think of it,' Alinor protested, but the Queen did not seem to hear. |
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"To my sorrow, I doubt that it will do Longchamp any harm," she said. Then a note of satisfaction came into her voice. "But it will do Richard much good." She brought her eyes back to Alinor's face. "I will do what I can for Simon." Slowly a smile grew on her lips until at last she laughed softly. "You will not like what I do, but I assure you, child, it is the best thing for me, for my Richard, and for Simon too. Yes, even for you. Patience is a hard lesson for the young, but those who learn it soonest are saved much grief. You were very wise to bring me this news. You may leave me now, but rest assured of my good will." |
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A few hours later, when the full Court assembled in the Great Hall, Simon stepped forward as soon as the King had settled into his seat. |
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"My lord," he said, his bass rumble drawing all eyes and ears, "I have a small matter I would bring to your attention before we come to the serious business of the day. Have I leave to speak?" |
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"If it will not take long, speak," Richard agreed. |
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