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Page 217
Chapter 16
Despite Walter's rapid pace, Simon was nowhere to be seen when Walter came from Prince Llewelyn's chambers. At first Walter suffered a sickening sinking of the heart as the suspicion crossed his mind that Simon was deliberately avoiding him. The next instant he had to struggle to hold back a guffaw. How stupid he was! If Sybelle were waiting in his bed, Walter thought, as Rhiannon was waiting in Simon's, he would not have lingered, either. Then his impulse to laugh disappeared. He had forgotten to ask whether Sybelle was still in Builth.
One thing was sure, he could not go back and ask now. Llewelyn would never believe he intended. if she were gone, to borrow a horse and ride out again in the hopes of getting to Clyro before the family left in the morning. The prince would think such a question was merely an excuse to come back and catch another portion of the discussion or simply to see whether Richard was still with him.
Walter stood irresolute, suddenly aware of how tired he was and that his knee was aching unmercifully. He wanted to go to bed, but he could not bear the thought of not seeing Sybelle, even for a few moments, to say farewell.
Still, it was ridiculous to ride all the way to Clyro only to discover that Sybelle had obtained permission to remain with Simon and Rhiannon. Rhiannon. Rhiannon would know. Walter made half a turn in the direction of the nuptial bedchamber, stopped, and blushed. Interrupting Simon and Rhiannon would be worse than intruding on Prince Llewelyn and Richard. Then how the devil was he going to find out whether Sybelle was still in Builth? Whom could he ask at this time of night?
Walter's hand came up suddenly and struck his forehead. Idiot, he thought, you are so tired your brain is in bed even if your body is still standing. Would Sybelle leave without

 
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