Bab 121: No Match for a Vixen

23 July, 1359. Magdaline Castle, Islia.

William stood alongside his cousins in the grand reception hall, flanking King Edward's gilded throne upon its dais. Another bout of endless standing around and waiting for the arrival of yet another honoured guest.

The last time he'd been forced to stand like this was when the court had been awaiting Princess Sarai of Havietten. William recalled with grim humour how he had dreaded her visit. And yet, he now found himself dreading this guest just as much, if not more.

King Kenneth of Moraigth was visiting, without his queen, as an honoured participant of his niece's upcoming wedding. Some said it was because the queen was expecting another child and couldn't travel, others said it was because the king wanted to indulge his numerous appetites without a wife wringing complaints over his head.