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too she had stood quietly and permitted him to do as he liked, but she had to accept what was obviously true. In Roselynde, she had felt his kissand somehow Geoffrey knew that this time she had not. In instant contrition, she put her arms around his neck. |
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"I am sorry," she whispered. Then curiously, "How did you know I was not paying attention? I am troubled because of Ian's Welsh lands. If the king wished to attack them but did not know where they were, would you have to lead him there?" |
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Instinctive reaction made Geoffrey fold his arms around Joanna when she embraced him, and he started to drop his head toward hers to renew their kiss. Now he pulled away, his lips tightening. |
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"Lead him to my father-by-marriage's property? Even the king could not ask that of me." |
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"Who knows what King John can ask?" Joanna insisted, intent upon wringing a promise from Geoffrey that he would not contribute in any way to the destruction of her stepfather's lands. |
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"He cannot ask me the where-abouts of Ian's keeps unless his purpose is to make open bad feeling between us. He knows I will not lead the army there nor would my oath of loyalty to him demand that of me. The blood bond must come first. If we should come upon one of the keeps by accident, however, I am less sure of what I must do. I know their weak and strong points, of course, as I know the shape of my own fingers. Must I hold my peace and see some of the men I lead die? Or must I betray my lord to save the lives of his vassals? It is a sweet choice." |
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Since Geoffrey was already thinking along the lines she desired, Joanna did not press him further. If they came upon the keeps by accident, they would be taken whether Geoffrey gave aid or not. Satisfied, she raised her face a little more, to an angle that would better facilitate lip meeting lip. "I will pay attention now, if you kiss me again," she murmured invitingly. |
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