The Friar's Tale, стр. 85

women...or men either! An asexual and aromantic man in the Middle Ages might well have entered Holy Orders to avoid pressure on him to marry.

The religious universalism in the book reflects a place I was in my own spiritual journey a few years ago before landing more into hard polytheism, although I'm still firmly of the belief that all gods are good and come, in many ways, from the same place. I also wanted to make it clear that while the Church in this book is problematic and corrupt, Christianity isn't necessarily so. Just like today.

Finally, I want to touch on the decision I suspect will piss off fans of the original the most. Richard Coeur de Leon (Lionheart) is generally portrayed as an example of the True King Trope we English are so fond of.

The man neglected his wife, barely spoke English, and nearly bankrupted all of his holdings going on crusades. It's this historical Richard who finds his way into this book, mostly because I am tired of True Kings.

Acknowledgments

As usual, acknowledgments go to my wonderful editor, Jennifer Melzer, to my cover artist, Starla Huchton, and my husband and primary proofreader, Greg Pearson. I would also like to thank my sensitivity reader, who helped me make sure I didn't accidentally include any nasty asexual stereotypes.

All mistakes and problems are, of course, entirely on me.

Other Books by Jennifer R. Povey

The Silent Years (Mother, Crone, Maiden)

The Ky Federation novels

Transpecial

Araña

The Lost Guardians Series:

Falling Dusk

Fallen Dark

Rising Dawn

Risen Day

Daughter of Fire

The Lay of Lady Percival

Tales of Yirath:

Firewing