Chapter 9

Most illegitimate children did not have this constant influence in their lives, but Benedict had been fortunate, or it had seemed at the time, to be raised along with the king’s proper children. His mother had been a favorite mistress of the king’s and when she died shortly after Benedict’s birth he had been taken in.

But alas, Henry had decided to play father to him instead of brother. And Henry seemed to forget Benedict was a grown man.

The door to his cell, for he might as well be kept below in the dungeon, burst open and Benedict prepared himself for what was to come.

Standing in the doorway was his much beloved half-brother, James, grinning broadly.

“James!” Benedict hurried to him.

James embraced him, laughing. “‘Tis good to see you in one piece, little brother.” He closed the door and came into the room.