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Page 244
"There is a middle way that will answer all purposes," she suggested. "Llewelyn would assume that Lord Ian will approve this proposal, yet it would be courteous and natural to show him the bride chosen for his son. It would thus be reasonable that you and Simon be betrothed and that he take you to see his parents."
"Yes, and that would be an easy door to the king also," Simon added. I am not Henry's vassal and may marry in Wales without his yea-say, but my father is his vassal, and in England a son's marriage needs the king's approval. Henry would be very pleased if I brought my bride to him"
"And if he took a fancy to her?" Rhiannon interrupted.
"Oh, no!" Simon was shocked and showed it. "Not Henry! There is nothing of King John in him in that way."
"He is free enough with his men's rights in other ways," Kicva remarked. "Why not in this? Does he not desire women?"
"He likes women well enough," Simon replied, "but he is no lecher. As to why he would not cast his eyes on Rhiannon, there are several reasons, but the most important is that family is sacred to Henry. Rhiannon will be Geoffrey's sister-by-marriage and as inviolate to Henry as his own sister, I assure you. Even if you were deliberately to try to provoke his lust, I do not think he would take youunless he were too drunk to know what he was doing or otherwise out of his senses. He would be more likely to warn Geoffrey or myself of your lewd nature."
"Then you think this mad plan of my father's has worth? Or is it only a way of forcing me into a contract with you?"
"Do not be an idiot, Rhiannon," Simon said with exasperation. "Or, at least, credit that I am not one. The last way to convince you into marriage is by force."

 
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