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Before her voice died away, the horse had dropped his head to the grass again. Simon looked at her. "Did you know who that was?" |
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She shook her head. "I am not even sure anyone was there. It might have been an animal that startled Ymlladd, but I think we had better go back. I was a fool to leave so openly with you, Simon. I may have stirred up envy among the young men for which you will suffer." Her eyes were wide with fright. |
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Simon knew that Ymlladd would not react that way to an animal, but he was not going to say that to Rhiannon. He put an arm around her and drew her close, smiling down at her. "Do not worry. Have you not already covered me with a broad shield by cursing any who try to harm me?" he teased. |
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"I have no power to curse," Rhiannon confessed anxiously. "I only said the first thing that came into my head that might frighten anyoneif anyone was there." |
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"Likely not," Simon soothed. "Who knows what Ymlladd thought he saw or heard. These high-bred animals are half-mad." |
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Still, he did not argue when Rhiannon again asked to return to Aber. He caught his horse, swung up on it, and reached down to draw Rhiannon up. She did not raise her hands to be lifted but backed away. |
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"Let me walk back alone, Simon," she suggested. |
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"Do not be ridiculous!" Simon exclaimed. "I do not mind if a few idiots are jealous, but I do not want your father furious with me. The whole court will know that I seized you and rode off with you. I do not dare come back without you." |
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"My father will not care. He knows I go my own way. He will think I made you angry" |
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"And so I left you!" Simon did not know whether to fly into a rage or laugh. "Even if I were so angry I murdered youwhich will soon come about if you do not mount at onceI would not leave you. I assure you I |
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