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even growled an apology of sorts, but both had cast sidelong glances toward Alinor when they thought Richard was engaged with the other. The King kissed them both and dismissed them, then bent his eyes upon the other group. |
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"Well, Lady Alinor," he said, totally indifferent to the pathetic picture she made, "what have you done?" |
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Simon bit his lips to hold back an angry order to let Alinor alone, but Ian had less self-control. |
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"Nothing!" he exclaimed. "She is not at fault." |
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Richard cocked a brow upward. "Yet every eye is upon her, and her warden cries out, 'What have you done?'" |
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Alinor gave a defiant sniff and turned around within the safe circle of Simon's arm, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand like a child. "That is because I am very unruly and often make mischief, Your Grace," she replied forthrightly. There was nothing feminine in her manner. Aside from her clothing, she might have been a boy somewhat younger than Ian. "But I swear upon my honor that I did not cause this mischief. At least, I suppose I am the cause, but through no intention or desire of my own." |
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"Yes?" Richard encouraged, somewhat more gently, but his eye flicked briefly toward Ian. |
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Simon's arm tightened around Alinor. It was not she, however, whom he wished to enfold in that protective gesture. He saw Ian with new eyesand realized the boy was beautiful. He was a little under Simon's height and slender as a reed with youth. The height was striking, but the face more sohot, dark eyes and a profusion of unruly blue-black curls topped a well-shaped, tender mouth and a fine, thin nose with mobile nostrils. There was no real interest yet in the King's eyes, Simon judged. If Ian disappeared now, Richard would never think of him again. |
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Judging from Richard's manner that she had set out on the right foot, Alinor gave a frank recital of the |
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