He brought his face close to hers. "Sophia, I will speak to Friar Mathieu. But, as I said, he has already tried to persuade John to let the girl go free. With no success. And I am sure there is nothing more Friar Mathieu can do before tomorrow, when I leave Perugia."
She loved that serious, intent look. It was as if light were coming from his eyes.
But what he had just said took her by surprise.
"Leave Perugia? Where are you going?"
He shook his head. "No one is supposed to know."
"Simon!" She put anger into her voice, knowing he was vulnerable. If she could get some information of use to Daoud from him, she would have an excuse for having let Simon make love to her. And with Daoud far away in Manfred's kingdom, there was no chance this time that he could hurt Simon.
He touched her cheek with the tips of his long fingers, and she could feel him struggling with himself.
"Swear you will tell no one."
"Of course."
He really thinks I can be depended upon to keep an oath.