Chapter 21

Fann came in from training with the Count’s men all afternoon in a very bad mood, the kings missive crumpled in his hand. At least this time the man had remembered to send it in English. Fann stormed through the castle demanding a bath and food brought to his room, as well as the whereabouts of his wife.

That morning he had been happy to hear that Eleanor had declined an invitation to go shopping with Claire and her sisters, insisting that the clothing she had now was already nearly too much to ask her horse to carry all they way north. He was glad her time of austerity in the abbey had not left her craving an abundance. He also like that she would be in the castle and not venturing into the city without him. He had not, however, been thrilled to learn that she had spent the entire day pouring over research with the scientists in residence. As hard as it was, he had kept his displeasure to himself. She wanted to decide how to spend her time. Fine. Good even. Having a simpering wife a