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The wedding was a merry one. Rhiannon was no frightened maiden, and Simon's reputation was such that the precoital jests were more than usually bawdy. Some of the guests were a trifle startled by the fact that the nuptial bed was presided over by an overlarge gray-striped cat, but since the bridal couple themselves greeted the beast's presence with cheers and laughter, those who did not know Math soon forgot about him. |
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One of the few who did not go to bed perfectly happy was Walter. He had a very bad night. He had done nothing for two days except sit and walk about gently, so his body craved exercise. Because he was not physically tired, he was aware of the ache of his shoulder and knee and that the usual, comfortable positions in which he ordinarily slept were denied to him. Worst of all, his body craved more than exercise. He had been continent far longer than was usual for him, so he craved a woman. This craving was considerably increased by the jests and innuendos of the bedding ceremony and by his constant contact with Sybelle throughout the day, since his desire for her had honed his appetite to a fine edge. |
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To seek out a woman was impossible in his present situation. It would have been different had he been lying in the hall. The overcrowding of Builth had thrust maidservants out of their usual quarters and made them available. Also, those who sold their favors had naturally flocked to the celebration from every town and village within several days' walk. But Walter could not bring a woman into the chamber he shared with two young boys. Young Ian was certainly innocent, even if William was notand both were Sybelle's brothers. |
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Nor could Walter leave the room. William's excitement about the following day's joust was making him restless, if he was asleep at all. For Walter to be away for any length of |
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