William, the duke of Normandy: 1048 to 1060
When you arrive at Paris, both you and count Geoffrey are given a closed audience with your king: he makes it plain to you that there will be no further attempts at arranging your own marriage. Count Geoffrey will retain the towns of Domfront and Alençon, but will make no further aggressions against you. It is obvious, though unspoken, that king Henry views Anjou as a check on your ambitions and power. With Domfront and Alençon in Angevin hands, you have lost control of the entire southwestern portion of your realm. You are in no position to argue. The marriage alliance with Flanders must be dropped. Your future marriage will be much more to king Henry's liking, and of no advantage to you whatsoever. Any future plans of yours to secure holdings outside of Normandy have been preempted by your lack of daring. History will record that you were a lesser man than the king of France.
