章 79: Never You

2 May, 1359. Magdaline Castle, Islia

William chewed the food placed in front of him without tasting it. He could hear conversation happening around him but listened to none of it. He endured Princess Sarai touching his hand when she spoke and brushing her leg against his under the tablecloth, supposedly by accident, with nothing but a clenched jaw.

He remembered how several months ago, it had been Prince Thomas in the same position, unable to escape the lady foisted on to him by the king. William could now understand his cousin's deep and ongoing resentment. He vowed to never tease Tom again about his marriage.

After the dinner plates were cleared away and the musicians started playing, William knew he was expected to take Princess Sarai's hand and lead the evening's dancing yet again. As he walked past King Edward's seat with Sarai's hand in his, he saw his uncle nod in approval.