A Crown of Despair by Jenny Mandeville

Author:Jenny Mandeville [Jenny Mandeville]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780719811258
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

I wonder whether there is any point in discussing the last topic on my agenda. Because of her presence we have been completely unable to resolve any of the other matters, and her outbursts have proven to be of little consequence either. I feel enraged by both her and the King, and defeated all at that same time. It is preposterous that I should feel this way at the hands of a mere woman! I turn to Gardiner with raised eyebrows. What does he think we should do now?

Suddenly Katherine rises from her position on the floor – where she belongs – and makes her way to the back of His Majesty’s chair. She has finished tending to his leg, but rather than leave the room she chooses to remain, and rests her hands on his shoulders. I can’t help but shoot her a look of disdain. How dare she stand above us? His Majesty moves his hand to rest on hers. I can see that she has no intention of going anywhere.

‘Is that all, men? Haven’t got all bloody night!’ His Majesty suddenly barks, startling me.

Gardiner speaks in his deep, slow, rattling voice. ‘The matter of these texts is something that we must take very seriously, Your Maj—’

‘Enough! We’ve spoken about that. It’s undecided. There are arguments for and against discussion. You have heard them both, Bishop. Next!’

The Bishop sighs heavily and makes a point of rubbing his temples as if he is in pain. ‘Of course, Your Majesty. The final matter then. People have been caught eating meat on a Friday again. It has been going on for a while now, as you know. I think that you will agree that this is a grave breach of our holy customs.’

We both look at His Majesty, keen to gauge his reaction. Nothing can challenge this sacred doctrine, surely? And nobody could get away with trying to either.

His Majesty nods. ‘Indeed, customs that are dear to the Holy Church should not be deviated from. I think that a very harsh punishment is in order here.’

I cannot help but smile at this. Sense at last. Let her try to contradict him just one more time if she dares, for we all know that there is only so far that His Majesty can bend before he breaks.

‘Forgive me, Bishop.’ She speaks again. ‘I can’t help but wonder sometimes, for what purpose are these customs?’

‘Your Majesty….’ Suddenly the Bishop can hold his tongue no longer. ‘These are hollowed by time and the grace of the Church.’ His voice is undeniably grave.

‘I can’t help but think that they have no basis or justification these days.’

She looks down at Gardiner from behind His Majesty. I do not like this position of power that she has placed herself in. She has done it deliberately.

‘My Lord Bishop, I do not wish to challenge you, but why do you think that God would think this is such a great sin? What punishment could ever be justified for this small act when the world is already so full of evil and vile acts?’

‘Small act …’ I scoff.

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