At His Command-Historical Romance Version by Ruth Kaufman

“What is life like with the king? I’d know something of what’s in store. I should have asked sooner. I admit, I didn’t want to. It would’ve made the inevitable more real.”
    How to explain the crowds, the conniving, the strictures? “To start with, hundreds of people serve him. I’d say about two hundred fifty have designated functions. There are clerks, valets and grooms, who are considered below stairs. Above stairs are chaplains, jewel house officers, the keeper of the wardrobe, esquires of the household and such. They work in shifts,” he explained. “Margaret has her own staff. There are always numerous visitors and petitioners in attendance. There isn’t room for everyone, so many buy or lease homes near the king’s various castles.”
    Amice stayed silent for once, as if trying to imagine her place amidst the mass of people he described.
    He knew she’d hate the bustling court where she’d oft be told what to do. And it was unlikely she’d feel welcomed or at home, the way he had at Castle Rising.
    He had no way to soften the blow.

    Westminster Palace stood on the north bank of the River Thames, a cluster of buildings more imposing and grander than Amice had imagined. As they neared the arched entrance, a young page wearing the king’s livery approached and demanded their names. When they presented the king’s letter, the boy snapped his fingers. Nicholas’s men and their horses were escorted away.
    “The king expects you to join him for the evening meal,” the page announced as he led Amice, Nicholas, Ginelle and Robert through the many corridors.
    Numerous people hurried and scurried every which way as if on missions to complete the most important of tasks. At last they stopped, in front of a door that to Amice looked no different from many of the others. She had no idea how to make her way back to the entrance or how she would find anything.
    “Your rooms are here, my lady,” the page said, bowing slightly. “I shall call for you in three hours.”
    With each step away from all she knew and loved, she found it harder to breathe in the musty air. There was too much to absorb at once, the vast palace, so many new people, her upcoming meeting with the king. The revealing of her groom’s identity. Add to that how she already missed being at Castle Rising. With Nicholas. She felt as if several stone had been added to her weight.
    Without further ado, the page turned and walked on. Nicholas didn’t follow. The boy turned and impatiently tapped his dark red leather-booted foot on the stone floor.
    Nicholas said, “I know the way. That will be all.”
    “I was told to bring you straightaway to the king and I will,” the boy retorted defiantly.
    “You’re new here.”
    The boy nodded. “Yes, I’m Lucan, of Gloucester.”
    “Then I’ll forgive your behavior. You don’t know me?”
    The boy’s widening eyes revealed the first stirrings of fear.
    “You’ll soon learn. I caution you to mind your station before you open your mouth and get into trouble,” Nicholas advised.
    Lucan had the grace to turn red. “I await your convenience, my lord.”
    Robert, peeking out from behind Amice, giggled at Lucan’s discomfort, and received a scathing glare in return. Nicholas guided Amice a few steps away from the others.
    “I must go to the king,” he began. “If you need anything, send Robert to me and I will come. Don’t send a note. It could end up in the wrong hands. Remember that the simplest, most innocent message can be misconstrued. Gossip flourishes here, and most are quick to judge. I wish you well.” He drew in a breath, as if he wished to say more.
    Amice hoped for words of kindness, to hear that he’d miss her. But he left with Lucan and disappeared around a corner.
    Her heart sank. Tears of frustration threatened. Nicholas was gone. Who knew when or if they’d regain the closeness they’d shared? His presence had been her only comfort, but now she was alone in a place so