Chapter 30: Out of Reach

6 June, 1358. Magdaline Castle, Islia

William leaned back uncomfortably in his chair at the royal high table in the banquet hall, trying to mask his profound boredom. A troupe of travelling bards were passing through the court and had now taken centre stage, singing a ballad in the strange language of the lands to the west of Islia. The king and queen were listening attentively, as were most other people. William was willing to bet his entire fortune that many in the audience were feigning interest, simply because the royal couple were fond of the music.

William didn't care for bards or foreign ballads. He especially didn't care for having to sit still next to Princess Camilla and pretend to be indifferent to her, when he could feel his body throb with hot longing.