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Traditionally, in the medieval fantasy world, kings, knights, and troubedors (bards, entertainers, lower-born princes, etc.) had lovers, and it was not a big deal. In fact, it was expected. A wife was different from a lover. A wife was someone you cared for, lived with, and occassionally slept with. A lover was someone who was your ideal; she might or might not have been married, but she was beautiful in your eyes. You did everything for her: fought for her, wrote songs about her (in a bard's case), and occassionally slept with her. While it was understood that they nearly all had lovers, it was not openly discussed, especially not with one's wife. It was also not accepted by the church (speaking of the Catholic church under Charlemagne).

And while it was understood, it was not accepted. Does that make sense? There was a sense of discreteness and hush-hush about it. Also, one did not typically "fraternize" with a woman of a lower class. It was a strange sort of arrangment...

Babies were not even thought of. To have one would disgrace the female, but it most likely would not affect the male, who might give the woman monetary support but would still lead a normal family life with his spouse.

And these kings did typically have these lovers, and most people knew of them, but no one dared mention it.

Does that answer your question? That's really all I know about the subject. Also, keep in mind, that this is info from about 900 A.D.-1300 A.D. and is referring to traditional medieval fantasy stories, not actual histories. But I think whatever you choose to do, it will be believable to your reader because it is your own fantasy! I think your story's going great, anyway!

~Every man dies, not every man really lives.~

Day_dreamer

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