“Peace, Nicky,” William said, then, “It is in no small part thanks to you, Hadrian, that I have held them back these many centuries. The clergy. The lords. Even my dear wife. Your . . . performance has serv—served to kee—keep keep them at bay. You have been a useful ally. My instrument, and my . . . friend.” My friend . . . The words were like a knell. “Is that what I am?” I asked.
