Although beloved by the King, and loving in return, Almere knew the monarch was even more crippled emotionally than physically. He was far older than his wife, Queen Ericaania, and with the knowledge of his failing powers came fierce jealousy and suspicion that approached paranoia. They shared a royal bedchamber, each with a vaulted four poster bed, thick carpets on the floors, and tapestries adorning the circular walls. The doors were extra wide and supported by great carven posts on either side, to allow the admittance of the King"s wheelchair. A woolen blanket habitually covered his knees to ward off the chill of the dank walls and drafty porticos. He wore the velvet coats and trappings of his office, his arms and shoulders huge against a barrel chest, his fingers thick and strong as he
