The Conqueror: A war on peace

Duke William of Normandy and Lady Matilda of Flanders are betrothed. But on the grounds of consanguinity they are too closely related to wed. Therefore, the illegitimate Prince and his fair maiden cannot marry. Furious the couple debate whether or not to challenge the Church. They desperately want to get married. But it could cost them the favour of Rome. Something no ruler in Christendom wants to lose, especially when they have agents in every corner of Europe. The Pope has eyes and ears everywhere. And they never stop looking or listening. Nor the spies of the King that travel across his western kingdom keeping close to each of his territorial Princes. After helping his Godson successfully defend his patrimony at the Battle of Val- s-Dunes. King Henry withdrew and hardened himself. The shame has become unbearable. For too long had the "Bastard" eluded him? For too long he has slipped through his traps And much worse now his niece wants to marry him. Meanwhile, Edward of Wessex has reigned over England for almost a decade. Alas, his Queen is the daughter of his greatest enemy Earl Godwin, the man that conspired to kill his brother and earned his earldom by consorting with Danes. Therefore, Edward still refuses to procreate with Edith making many of his people call him a living saint...