"It may happen, De Lacy," he said, "that there will come a time when you must choose between Henry Stafford and Richard Plantagenet."
"Not so, Sire," Aymer replied. "As against Your Majesty there can never be a choice for me."
Richard looked him straight in the eyes. "I believe it," he said. "I would there were more De Lacys."
Aymer bowed low. "Your Majesty is very gracious; and it encourages me to prefer a request."
"Say on, sir," the King said kindly.
"I would ask a few weeks' leave from Court."
"Wherefore?"
"To accompany Sir John de Bury to Craigston; and to stop at my own castle of Gaillard on my return."
Richard laughed lightly. "It is granted, and may success attend you," he said. "And by St. Paul! if you win the Countess you shall wed her, else I am not King of England."
De Lacy blushed like a girl, and the King laughed more heartily.