Ruth Langan by Blackthorne

Author:Blackthorne
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Village minstrels had been invited to play for the king. During their overlong performance, Charles smiled and applauded politely. When at last he waved a hand, signaling an end to his interest in them, Quenton gave a sigh of relief. Now perhaps this interminable evening would come to an end.

“Would you like to retire to your chambers, Majesty?”

Charles grinned. “You would like that, wouldn’t you, Lord Stamford?”

Aware that the servants could overhear, Quenton kept his tone low. “I desire only your comfort, Majesty .”

“I’m gratified to hear that. Bring your brother along.” Charles stood, and at once everyone in the dining hall shuffled to their feet.

Inclining his head slightly, the king graced the throng with the benediction of his smile, then turned and made his way to the door.

As he passed each row of guests, the men bowed, the ladies curtsied. Trailing behind, Quenton pushed Bennett’s wheeled chair, and signaled for Pembroke to follow, all the while wondering what mischief his guest was up to now.

When they were alone in the hallway, Charles started forward at a quickened pace. “As I recall, your grandfather’s library is this way.”

“The library?”

“Aye. All day I have been looking forward to a private room, a comfortable chaise and a glass of ale without a score of eyes watching me.”

When they reached the room they were seeking, Quenton pushed his brother’s chair forward, leading the way inside. Thor, pacing beside the wardrobe, bounded over, slathering a welcome on his master. At the king’s coaxing, he allowed himself to be petted.

Charles glanced around. “Have you something to drink?”

At a signal from Quenton, Pembroke scurried away and returned carrying a tray on which rested a brimming decanter and several crystal goblets. He poured, then discreetly disappeared, to stand guard outside.

Once the three were alone, all pretense of formality fell away.

“Well, old friend, this is what I’ve been thinking about all day.” The king clapped Quenton on the back. Laughing delightedly, he turned to Bennett and embraced him. Then he tossed his brocaded jacket aside and rolled the billowing sleeves of his shirt. Quenton did the same and handed around the filled goblets.

Charles took several long swallows of ale and gave an exaggerated sigh. “You have no idea how relieved I am to finally be here at Blackthorne. During this damnable journey we could hardly move, what with the throngs of people slowing the carriage to a crawl.”

“The people love you, Majesty.” Quenton perched on the edge of the desk.

“Aye. So you are fond of saying. I hope ’tis true. But sometimes I think back to our lives when we were boys. It all seemed so much simpler then.”

“Indeed it was.” Quenton laughed. “As I recall, our biggest worry was how to outsmart those who were charged with our care. Now we have grown up. We’re the ones charged with the care of others. We’re the ones with the grown-up problems to deal with.”

Charles lounged in a chaise and unfastened the buttons at his throat “Aye. Man-sized problems. Or in my case, king-sized problems.

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