ROYAL BLOOD
With a slow, impatient motion, he lifted one hand and flicked his fingers toward the room, granting permission without a word.
The maid exhaled softly, understanding at once. She stepped forward, then knelt beside his feet hanging loosely from the bed.
The second maid got to work; she poured him a cup of wine before handing it over to him.
The remnants of William's armor still laid scattered near the foot of the bed.
Leather straps stiff with dried blood were piled carelessly beside a breastplate that had been set down without care. It smelled faintly of iron and old sweat.
By the time the maid was done cleaning his feet, the bowl of water was already clouded, the water tinged a dull red.