William was mounted on a huge roan stallion; she was seated on Moonshadow. The day had dawned brilliantly, the sky blue, the breeze warm, the sun coloring everything with vivid, intense hues. It was a rare morning, one to be appreciated. Dariana was clearly awed by the people, the colors, the excitement, the food laid out on trestle tables. William had to admit the king’s table was a feast beyond compare. “Amazing,” Dariana breathed. “He is the king. He could certainly not be outdone.” “And who would dare try?” Dariana’s good humor matched his on this lovely morning. Last night had been beyond memorable in so many ways. After the meal, Dariana and William celebrated their levy from the king by making love not once, not twice, but thrice. He wondered that she must be tired, but the excitement seemed to be sweeping away the cobwebs. William reached over, squeezing her hand. Right then, the king appeared, resplendent in hunter green, slashed to show cloth of gold beneath. The company turned in unison to applaud their monarch.
