Like summer mist, Eleanor of Aquitaine had vanished. In Paris, her three elder sons chafed at their mother’s delay. Lord Geoffrey taunted his elder brother, Ric. ‘Seems that having planned and instigated a revolt against our father, our mother has abandoned us.’
Lord Ric’s eyes flashed. ‘She never would!’
‘But you’d hate her if she had, wouldn’t you, Ricky? Tell me, when it comes to war with Papa, will you kill him? You do hate him, don’t you?’
‘I hate you, Geoffrey!’
‘I dare you to behead our father. He was only a year older than you when he beheaded the Seneschal of Normandy – but you don’t have his courage. Mama’s Great One lacks Papa’s valour.’
Lord Ric two took long steps to reach his brother, whom he struck across the face. ‘I’ll show you valour and courage, dog!’
They had been speaking out of earshot of King Louis of France, who would lead the rebellion against the King of England. Geoffrey rubbed his reddened cheek. ‘You’re about as daring as that old man, who pisses himself in fear whenever he sees our father.’
Both princes looked at Louis, who felt their attention and turned to them. His tone was soothing. ‘I know the delay of your dear mama upsets you, boys. But your matriarch is resourceful. She was disguised as an abbess when she left Poitiers. It may be she stopped in an abbey and for the sake of good form has remained a few days longer than anticipated.’
His young wife, Queen Adela, whispered, ‘I tell you, husband, the Plantagenet has captured her!’
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