The murmurs of the crowd swelled like a restless tide. No doubt they had taken me for nothing more than a fleeting amusement for the king. That he would wed me—a courtesan—was beyond their wildest reckonings, and they made no effort to mask their disdain.
"Whisper what you will," Stephen's voice rang clear, silencing many at once, "but I shall not abide anyone casting slurs upon my bride. In a few nights' time she shall be your queen, and I advise you keep your tongues in check—lest you lose them with your heads."
The hall fell into sudden hush.
Turning then to the courtiers, Stephen's gaze sharpened. "I am told there are grumblings among you, that you found my judgment upon these traitors too harsh. Is this so?"
One of the elder nobles stepped forth, bowing with strained composure. "Your Majesty, forgive me, but I merely thought it needful to remind you that these offenders belong to the Royal Family. Surely, there ought to be some distinction between them and common folk."
