"And in token
thereof he sends you your heart's desire."
Plainly, the elves had endowed their "gift" with a wit to match her soul. Her
beautiful eyes were simple as an injured child's as she raised them to his.
can that be, lord, when Emma of Normandy is to get the crown of England? A
woman ten years older than he, to put the best face on it! Who can expect me
to bear with this insult?" Her scorn went so far toward reviving her that for
the first time she drew herself away from the support of her women, and even
made one of them a sign to rearrange the locks she had disturbed.
Lest it revive her beyond the point of docility, Sebert spoke the rest of his
message in some haste. "It is true, noble one, that for state reasons the King
has consented to this union with Emma of Normandy, who will bring him the
friendship of Duke Richard besides causing pleasure to the English. But the
crown of Denmark is also at his disposal, lady, and this he purposes to bestow
upon your son Sven, for whom he has much love. And it is his will and pleasure
that you accompany the boy across the sea and, together with the earls of his
guardianship, hold the power for him until his hands shall be big enough to
grasp it alone. For this he gives you the name of 'queen' and all the honor
you shall desire." He paused, more at the wonder of watching her face than
because he had finished.
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