STEPHEN WAS IN his dressing room when Anne stormed in and found him, in a chair, peeling an apple. Annabella, a lady of the court, was bent over his waist, swallowing his cock.

At the sight of Anne, Annabella gagged. She jumped, frantically replacing Stephen's leggings as if to hide the evidence. Stephen looked on, seeming not to care.

Oh, do not bother, Annabella. Anne sighed. When the lord hears what news I bear, we shall all be amused to see to what size his manhood shrinks.

The lady smoothed her ruffled tresses, curtsied, then scurried out of the room.

These are my private quarters, not your parlor, Stephen said, hitching himself up. And do not feign offense, dear wife, since you obviously knew what business you would find here.

I do not feign offense. Anne eyed him sharply. Only regret, to have interrupted you from such pressing work.

So. Stephen rose. By all means, let me know. What's the big surprise?

A runner has arrived from Sardoney. He's brought word that your little jester is on the way. Two days out. With his lance.

Thisis the news you thought would disarm me? Stephen seemed to yawn, taking another deep bite from his apple. That this poor fool marches on us? Why should this mean any more to me than a bite of this fruit, I say? But come, he said, eyeing the bulge in his hose, as long as the table is set, why not put the little weasel to some work?

Anne crept behind him and smoothed her hands across his chest, even though the preten............