Carmarthen, A.D. 916 - 927
Queen Elen glared at her husband and stormed angrily out of the room, leaving young Edwin in the care of his nurse. Hywel gaped in disbelief after her, for they had never quarrelled in twelve years of marriage: a difference of opinion was one thing, but a heated disagreement like this, quite another matter.
He hastened after her because arguing with his beloved queen made him queasy; he needed to clarify his point of view. He was sure that the situation was no more than a misunderstanding, and that was mainly due to Clydog’s stubbornness.
“Oh no, you said it alright, Hywel; there’s nothing wrong with my hearing.” Elen’s face was as hard as the marble bust gracing the corridor.
“Ay, I’ll admit to saying it, but I was only posturing, my love. I’d no more hurt m
