|
|
|
|
|
|
if not gladly, willingly for the sake of peace." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Peace is not everything," Henry said, starting to look black. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I am a woman," Rhiannon murmured. "It is everything to me." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The frown cleared from Henrys face. "And that is as it should be. That is surely the woman's part, to make peace." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rhiannon curtsied, as if in thanks for the king's approval, but it was a signal to Simon, who came to her side and asked solicitously whether she was tired. It had been planned between them and worked well; Henry took the hint quickly, excusing them graciously from further attendance. As Rhiannon curtsied again, he took her hand. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You will not run away again if I just say I hope you will sing for me soon, Lady Rhiannon?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I will not run away from you, my lord," she assured him. "However, it is not a matter of my choice. My mother is alone. I must soon go home to make ready for the winter. It is a very hard time in the hills where we live. Sometimes the snow is so heavy that the hunters cannot go out and we are sealed into our dwellings. Much must be done in gathering stores to keep us over the worst months. But I promise I will come again, as soon as I can, and most gladly." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"All the way from Wales, just to sing for me?" Henry asked, raising his brows. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yes," Rhiannon said, "all the way from Wales to sing for you, my lord, for there are very few who listen as you do. You understand and appreciate my art. If you will receive medisregarding how events may change in the futureI will come." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I will receive you at any time. Between us, in the name of art, there will always be peace," Henry assured her, and it was quite plain that he understood her implications that there might be enmity between her father and himself. He had, almost openly, promised |
|
|
|
|
|