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Page 243
serve this purpose, Simon saw the planneat, efficient, and accomplishing three purposes at once.
Rhiannon saw only half. Since she had no reason to think of the close tie Simon's family had with the king, she did not associate her father's wish that she be his ambassador with marriage. ''But I have no way to reach the king," she protested, "and even if I did. . . ." A quick glance flashed at Simon and then away. "No, I cannot. I could cause more trouble than good. I cannot offer what most women who serve such a purpose provide, and I have no bond of blood to protect me from such a suggestion. If I should be asked and refuse"
"Rhiannon!" Kicva exclaimed. "Your father is no panderer and, even if he was, he is not a fool. He knows well enough that tact is not your greatest virtue, and he has devised a way to protect you from the king and open a path to him at one and the same time. Simon's brother-by-marriage is cousin to the king"
Kicva broke off as Rhiannon jumped to her feet with blazing eyes, but Simon had guessed what would happen and was also on his feet, holding up a hand.
"I did not know, I swear it," he said. "I did know Prince Llewelyn intended to write his approval of our union to your mother and propose it to my father, but I knew nothing of this other matter. There is no use being angry with me, Rhiannon. You have known that I desired marriage from our first meeting. I never lied to you, and I never changed."
"You still desire marriage?"
"You know that I do, and that I will strive forward toward that goal until I achieve it or I am dead."
Rhiannon's eyes met Simon's challengingly. It was entirely possible what he said was true, and all the more reason not to marry him. When he had gained his prize and she was his, the game, the purpose of being faithful would be ended. Simon's lips tightened at what he read in Rhiannon's face, but Kicva's cool voice came between them.

 
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