Chapter 39: Flashback: Pluck

15 July, 1353. Port Canfirth Palace, Moraigth

William sat next to his father at the royal high table, only half listening to the conversation between Prince Johan and King Kenneth. He listened hard enough to know the moments when he should nod appropriately, but no more.

The atmosphere at the table was tense. Everyone knew the bond between the king and queen was frosty, due to the queen having given birth a couple of months ago to a daughter who had not lived. King Kenneth's lack of a son was a topic no one dared discuss openly but it hung heavy in the air.

Then again, William reasoned, my father has a child and I'm a boy. Yet he's not happy either. Why did adults think their future happiness hinged on their children? It made no sense at all to William.