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Page 268
the quick give-and-take of her father's court. However, there was no real unity at Llewelyn's court. One could feel, even among friends, the alert desire for advantage, the seeking for personal gain. In Roselynde, however, Rhiannon sensed the rapport she had with Kicva allied with the differences that provided the stimulation. in Llewelyn's court. Quarrels there might be in Roselynde, loud and furious, but the purpose of the quarrel would always be to help, not to hurt or to profit.
Rhiannon was prepared for more searching questions, but all Alinor asked was whether she had brought court dress. There was no offense implied. A girl coming to visit her betrothed's family would bring fine clothes but not necessarily clothing sumptuous enough for court. Then Alinor remembered that Llewelyn's purpose had been to send Rhiannon to court, and she began to apologize, but Rhiannon shook her head.
"Other lands, other customs, she said, smiling. "I have court dress, but whether it is fitting you must judge."
She laid out the garments while Alinor stepped out of the chamber to see why the maids were so slow about bringing the bath she had ordered. When she returned, Alinor's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"It is not in your style, I know," Rhiannon said, "but it is my purpose to catch the eye of the king. If you think it will give cause for mockery rather than attention, however, I have this." She displayed the cloth of birds. "Perhaps a gown can be made for me in time."
Alinor gasped. "Where had you this?" she asked in awe.
"It is of my mother's weaving. The birds are my sign. I am named after a princess in an old Welsh taleRhiannon of the Birds."
"This was no quick work," Alinor said, looking into Rhiannon's eyes.
"Sometimes my mother has foreseeings," Rhiannon

 
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