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"Enough," Rhiannon said softly, and pushed the horse away. |
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She turned to Simon, smiling at his stunned expression but with worry deep in her eyes. "That is calling. I was told it was Angharad's skill. My mother does not have it. Sheshe reads people. I can call almost any animalbut it does not work with people. Men and women have minds and wills" |
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"So do horses, and I never met one with a stronger will than Ymlladd," Simon said, but his eyes were glittering with mischief and laughter. "So you did set a geas on me!" |
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"Yes you did. As soon as I saw youyou were singing to Prince LlewelynI was called and held." |
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Rhiannon laughed. "You devil! You are trying to make me feel guilty. I did not even notice you." |
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"Nonetheless," Simon teased, "you have ensorceled me. See how I returned resistless, even after you yourself sent me away. I am enchanted." |
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"You are enchanted with your desire to have your own way," Rhiannon replied tartly. "Do you think I am an idiot and do not remember that you just told me you were Pembroke's messenger?" |
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But she was not angry, and Simon laughed with her. "How inconveniently honest you are," he complained. "Any sensible woman would be delighted with the idea that she could bewitch a man" |
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"And especially you!" Rhiannon exclaimed. |
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"Do not offend my modesty," Simon retorted, grinning, then sobered. "But it is true nonethelessoh, not that you bewitched me but that I loved you from my first seeing and that each time I see and speak with you that love grows. Rhiannon, you say you do not love me. . . . Do you love any other man?" |
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She shrugged. "Nor do I believe that you will love |
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