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Page 29
was one thing to tell another woman, who had had the experience of being bought and sold like a parcel of goods, that you would resist such treatment. It would be far different to face down the King. Of course, there were other methods for handling men. Some of these techniques, together with the knowledge that her body as well as her mind was an instrument to be used to gain her purposes, Alinor had been carefully taught by her grandmother; others she learned by observing her grandmother cozen whatever she desired from her husband. And after her grandparents' deaths, Alinor had plenty of practice in using what she had learnedtogether with a few variations she had herself devisedin winding her vassals around her long and delicate fingers.
Nonetheless, there were dangers in such dealings. It was far better to have a woman's protection. Alinor looked anxiously at the Queen, but all her urging was in vain.
"I have much to do this afternoon," the old woman sighed, "for I intend to ride on tomorrow."
Alinor's eyes widened. "Tomorrow, Madam? Oh! I thought you would spend some days here, at least. I am not packed. If I am to come with you"
Again the Queen shook her head in negation. "That was my intention, but since you are opposed to being wed, you will need a warden. The man must come to know your estates and your vassals"
"A warden!" Alinor interrupted, forgetting in her sudden fury to whom she was speaking. "I have managed my lands full well this year. My vassals are at peace with me and with each other"
"You forget yourself," the Queen snapped. "You are young, and I have been indulgentoverindulgent, I fear." Then her manner softened. "You must learn, Alinor, that nothing comes in this life without payment. Always the bitter accompanies the better. Perhaps your lands are well in hand. Certainly the behavior of your

 
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