Lionel looked at him. Stephen immediately regretted speaking. "You want to go ask him?" Lionel asked.
"No, my lord."
"A wise answer."
"I'll just go get him his dinner."
"Another wise answer. Two in one night. Be careful, Stephen. You may become useful."
Stephen bowed quickly and hurried down the cold stone passage toward the kitchens. The king was in mourning, refusing food, and the servants had all begun behaving as though a wrongly seasoned broth might become a matter of treason.
A tray had already been prepared: bread, broth, roasted fowl carved thin, stewed apples, and wine. Stephen inspected it.
The royal taster was summoned. The man took a spoonful of broth, a bite of bread, and a careful taste of the meat. Then everyone waited.
After several minutes, the taster remained alive. With an armed guard beside him, he escorted the servants back to the king's chamber.
The small procession entered: servants carrying dishes, a guard at the rear, Stephen at the front.
