At the sight of Sophia, Riccardo rushed to her, looming over her protectively. "Madonna! What has happened to you? Dio mio! Did he—"
His eyes were wide with outrage, but there was anxiety in his face too. He must be wondering whether he would have to fight a nobleman.
"I am not hurt—he did nothing. He did nothing!" Sophia babbled, choking down sobs. "Mount quickly, Riccardo, and let us go from here."
He held her horse, and she threw herself into the saddle. She spurred on without waiting to see if Riccardo was ready to follow.
When they came to a turning in the road, she looked back once. The scudiero stood alone with the horses. Simon had not yet emerged from the pine forest. She started to cry again. The pain in her chest was worse than ever. She silenced Riccardo's questions.
"I cannot talk about it. He did no wrong to me. No harm. That is all you need to know."
I cannot talk to anyone about it, ever. I am going to betray David. I pray God I never see Simon de Gobignon again.