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Page 156
aware of her that her absence had made him uneasy enough to seek her. Now she was armored again. She did not blame Simon or dislike or despise what he was going to do. In fact, she admired the quick intelligence, the flexibility, and the adroitness that permitted him to find such an escape from the problem. Unfortunately, she also feared those aspects of his personality.
Her resolution came just in time to save her from a new assault. As he came forward to lift her again, Simon said, "I can see no reason to start a stupid rumor about you which, the more it is denied, the more those who wish to believe will believe it. Prince Llewelyn will take no chances that another man will conceive the notion of abducting you and forcing you into marriage. Like it or not, Rhiannon, you will have to be accompanied when you run loose in the woods. Of course," he added after a thoughtful hesitation, his eyes gleaming with mischief, "you could agree to marry me. It would not be worthwhile seizing you after that because your father would not yield the promised dower to any other man."
Although what he said was true and Rhiannon knew he would gladly accept her agreement, his expression did not seem serious. Nor was there the slightest implication that Simon felt she should accept him out of gratitude because he had saved her life. He was only teasing her to sweeten the bitterness he knew she must feel, for he was aware how precious her freedom was to her.
"I think it would do less permanent damage if I simply went home," Rhiannon replied, placing her arms around Simon's neck and resting her head on his shoulder as he carried her. "I will be safe enough there. There is no reason for me to stay here any longer. I have found the answer to the question I brought with me."
"What was that?" he asked, sounding surprised.
"I told you the first night, and you did not like my answer. Put that question aside, and I will give you an

 
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