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Page 245
Then he frowned thoughtfully. "As to your father's plan, I do think it has worth. Prince Llewelyn knows Henry. They have met several times and your father is a keen reader of men. Anyhow, he would never force you into something to further my purpose; therefore, he believes you are the best emissary he could find."
This was too reasonable for Rhiannon to dispute. In fact, she realized as soon as the anger of suspicion dissipated that her father's encouragement of Simon's suit from the beginning was more political than affectionate. Surely Llewelyn would be glad if she and Simon were happy, but he was more interested in settling her cheaply with a man who could never use her blood as a threat.
Yes, Rhiannon could see all the reasons now, and the additional advantage of a new pathway to the king's ear would make the marriage very advantageous. But marriage had not been her intention, ever. Yet her father had always been kind, and if her marriage would aid Gwynedd. . . . She loved her people and her hills and forests. Perhaps her mother's way was a solution. A betrothal could last many years, not coming to fruition for this reason or that, and at worst it could be broken . . . and Simon was so eager for it.
Rhiannon put out her slender hand, and Simon grasped it so hard he hurt her fingers. "I will agree to a betrothal," she said, "if the contract is made here in Wales."
"Of course," Simon concurred. "It would not be fitting for you to travel with me to England without a betrothal, but it will also be a surety for you, eneit. If you find me not to your taste, I swear I will ask my father to discover some fault with the contract so that it may be broken."
Rhiannon laughed at him. "Oh, what a cocksure popinjay you are! It would serve you right if I demanded my freedom just to put you in your place."
"Of all idiocies, cutting off one's nose to spite one's

 
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