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Page 408
settled into the former residence of the Knights Templars, which was no less grand.
Unfortunately the terms of surrender and the division of the city were the only things Philip and Richard were able to agree upon. In everything else they were at odds, the main bone of contention being the question of who was King of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan or Conrad of Montferrat.
"And every time I hear either of their names," Simon said bitterly to Alinor as they walked in the pleasant garden of the inner court of the palace, "I feel like beating my head against a wall. Neither is worth a bucket of horse droppings."
"Perhaps," Alinor sighedfor this was not the first time she had listened to his plaint"Conrad will drink himself to death and Guy will burst of his own pride."
"They had better do it soon," Simon remarked. "Philip is growing more and more sulky. If he does not get his way in this, he will go home."
"Good riddance," Alinor snapped. "Richard is black inside and out every time he comes to my lady, and she, poor thing, cannot be brought to see that if she would but prick him and let him rage he would feel the better for it and love her the better also. Simon, I fear all is not well between them."
"I am sorry for it. If she would let him spit out his bile he would have some use for her. Tush! I should not have said that, but I cannot trouble myself over what long I despaired of. Alinor, it is not good riddance if Philip goes. Do you think he will sit still in France or keep his Crusader's vow to respect the King's territory?"
"No. And I do not care." She looked around to be sure they were too far from anyone to be overheard. "I hope Philip does make trouble. Else we will rot here. I am not blind. It will take years to reconquer this landand to what purpose? Will Lusignan hold

 
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