Just a Brief Audience

24 August, 1361. Magdaline Castle, Islia

William walked into his apartments and shrugged off his outer tunic. He'd just returned from a picnic in the western gardens that Camilla had arranged to celebrate their son's first birthday. It had been an afternoon of much merriment and laughter, watching Malcolm toddle unsteadily on his plump little legs, desperate to keep up and play with James and Blanche's sons. Fortunately for him, the older boys were kind hearted and had been happy to lead the toddler around by the hands as they all scampered on the lawns.

At one point, Blanche's daughter, who was not yet two, had toddled over to Malcolm and planted a wet kiss on his cheek. The boy had stared at her for a moment, nonplussed, before continuing to eat from the little plate of food placed in front of him.