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must ask me. If you want to decide for yourself what I meanthat is your right." |
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"Why am I so uneasy?" Rhiannon asked plaintively. |
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"Because you desire Simon de Vipont," Kicva replied, and this time her lips did twitch with amusement. |
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Rhiannon, who had turned a little away, whirled back so violently that her swirling skirt flashed into the face of an abnormally large cat, which leapt backward hissing. |
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"So you do think I have been entrapped by a handsome face." |
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"I saw a great deal more in Simon de Vipont than his handsome face and magnificent body," Kicva said calmly. "However, if you can find no more in him than his beauty, and if that has the power to destroy your peace, then I suppose what you say of yourself is true." |
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"But I am not a fool, Mother. I am not. What is wrong with me?" |
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"I have told you that already." |
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"But why should I desire him? I have known handsome men before." |
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"Perhaps because Simon is more than just a magnificent male animal." |
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"Are you pleading his cause?" Rhiannon stooped and lifted the cat, who had come and rubbed his head forgivingly on her ankle. |
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"Not at all." Kicva laid down her shuttle and looked up. "I do not usually need to explain you to yourself, Rhiannon. I thought I had taught you that lying to yourself is the most dangerous lie of all. Why do you do it now?" |
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"Because I am afraid. Did you ever love a man, Mother?" |
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"You mean aside from Gwydyon? No. I have not that nature. I have been fond of many, but love . . . I think not." |
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"Was that all you felt for my father? Only fondness?" |
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