Learwife by J. R. Thorpe

Author:J. R. Thorpe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2021-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Kent, haggard, said, The king is growing mad.

The archbishop was dismissive. He is increasing his devotions. Piety is a thing to be admired in a king. Sunburned hands and thick nails. As if he had spent years labouring. A man who had scaled up a hard rope to finery and suckled to it firmer than a babe at a breast.

I was furious in terror. Yes, and you benefit well from it, you and your monasteries. How much has he promised you in the past months? What price have you weighed on his soul?

Kent was cooler, always cooler. I respect your judgement, Archbishop. In your wisdom you must acknowledge that the king’s frenzy is neither natural nor balanced.

No. He has great strength of will. I have attempted to make him consider—

What?

Moderation. But he is my king. None of his wishes have been excessive. Extra masses – perhaps he neglects his court duties, but he has good workers—

He has spoken of flogging himself. I was loud. Of penitence, walking the pilgrimage trail, unaccompanied. He regards me, all the household, as a corrupting influence—

I was so young then. So intent on truth. As if the revelations were solutions, as if throwing open all the windows could burn every miasma from a room.

The archbishop shook his weighty head. It would have been better if his brother had lived. Existence in monasteries is conditioned to prevent these excesses, which are prideful in their basis. A king cannot be a monk entire.

He will drive himself to ruin. Would wear a hair shirt if I didn’t prevent it. He will look ridiculous. My voice a shard now, thinner. People will pity me.

Nobody pities the queen, Highness.

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