Flashback: Diplomacy

2 April, 1349. Magdaline Castle, Islia

Prince William stood next to his father, who in turn was seated at King Edward's right hand. On the other side of the king stood his own sons in a line, William's four cousins. He deliberately refused to make eye contact with them, especially Prince Thomas. Tom was the same age as him and one of his closest friends. The two of them would often get into mischief together. He was worried if he looked at Tom now, he'd make a silly face and the two of them would burst out laughing. That would definitely earn him a beating from his father.

William knew they were awaiting the arrival of a foreign king's brother but wasn't sure what made this visit so important. The snippets of conversation he'd picked up from the adults had just left him confused.