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Rhiannon asked no questions about their sudden haste. Simon could not help wondering whether this was because she understood that Llewelyn must have news of de Burgh's escape at once, or whether she was so eager to be free of him that she did not care to ask why. One moment Simon was in a pit of despair, then a quick glance or a turn of her head would give him hope. Perhaps, he told himself, Rhiannon was eager to be at home so that she could think before she said more than she meant to say. |
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The truth was that Rhiannon did not know either. One moment she wished passionately to be away from the dark, beautiful face and lithe body that aroused her; the next she had all she could do to keep from weeping at the thought that she would never see him again. She was sufficiently absorbed in her own troubles not to realize that Simon was avoiding her deliberately. He seemed busy with his men and the details of traveling, and when it would have seemed unnatural not to speak, she was not surprised that he concentrated on the political situation and how the freeing of de Burgh would affect it. |
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When they crossed into Wales, Simon began to ask for news of Prince Llewelyn. They learned, to Simon's relief, that he was at Ruthin and made for the keep with all speed, arriving very late, long after the gates had been locked for the night. However, the guards opened readily enough when Simon and Rhiannon had been recognized. Rhiannon went to the women's quarters at once, and Simon breathed a sigh of relief. If he caught Llewelyn at first waking, he could be away before she came down to break her fast. |
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Late as it was, Simon spent some time composing a letter to be given to her, reaffirming his faith and his love. He would come to Angharad's Hall when he could, he promised. He could not tell her where he would be, he added cleverly, because he did not know. He thought her father would want him to act as liaison |
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