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Page 87
forbid the raiding of an invading army, even if he does not want attacks to be made on English lands just now."
The four huddled closer to discuss this splendid possibility, not realizing that Rhiannon had slipped away and that, a few moments later, Simon had followed. He caught her just outside the hall of women, where she had stopped to say some reproachful things to Math, who merely stared at her enigmatically.
"Lady Rhiannon," Simon said, "do forgive me for foiling your intention of pricking those conceits, but I was most eager to drop my burden of news where it would do the most good."
I am happy you found me so useful," she retorted coldly, "but I cannot say I think much of your discretion. My father does not love men with wagging tongues."
"Neither do I. It was Prince Llewelyn who bade me start the gossip. No, forget that for now. I could not believe my good fortune when I saw Math and so knew you were here. I have been racking my brains all the way from Clifford to think of a reason to go to Angharad's Halland here you are."
"Do you think I came to seek you?"
"No! My lady, do not quarrel with me without cause, I beg you. I wish only to please you."
"Like those others?"
Several pat answers sprang to Simon's tongue, but he swallowed them. "How can I answer that?" he asked slowly. "I do not know what they feel. You said they desired your dower, but that might have been a jest. I certainly do notyou know that. I will be glad to have a blood bond with your father, but that is because I love him well, not because I hope to gain by it."
The door of the hall opened, yellow light from the torches spilling from it along the ground. It did not touch Simon or Rhiannon where they stood, but she took Simon by the wrist and drew him around the

 
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