Chapter 77

“I came dressed as a soldier, ready to do battle and take back all that was stolen from her. But I find I’ve no stomach for the fight, now that I’ve seen what it is like to live in a castle, and to be king. For truly she missed it not, and indeed, I fear ‘twould leech all the honour and the joy out of me to bide with a man who’d kill his only sister and her blameless child.”

There was a great clamour as Reuben finished his speech. As one, the people, who had listened in amazement and horror, rose up against their king. He was executed that very day in the shadow of the tallest tower, on the same spot where so many fine young men had met their death.

“But what of his daughters?” the highest-ranked of all the courtiers asked Reuben. “Will you marry one, and be our king, now?”