Philip had been riding for a day and half to see King Stephen in Winchester. Originally Philip was wanting to ask King Stephen to give him a license for a market in the village of Kingsbridge, where Philip ruled from the priory. But now Philip was thinking of his first visit to King Stephen. The first time he had met King Stephen was a year ago, and it was slightly awkward. Stephen was a friendly monarch, and he treated Philip very kindly. Perhaps too kindly. Philip was given the best treatment and the king would talk to him with a certain air of infatuation. Philip remembered how the king would smile at him. He felt shy and confused at the time, but now Philip remember how flattered he felt afterword. He wanted more.
In Winchester, Philip immediately went to the king. As he approached, the guards standing in front of the castle gate gave the monk a questioning look but didn't stop him. Philip came into the great hall and saw Stephen at his throne talking with a few servants. King Stephen noticed Philip right away and smiled like he'd been blessed by the Virgin herself.
"Philip!" the King bellowed. "How good it is to see you."
"Your eminence, the pleasure is all mine."
King Stephen dismissed all his servants and devoted his entire attention to Philip. Stephen remembered the first time they had met. He was infatuated at first site.
"What brings you here today, Philip? Business or pleasure?"
"Your majesty, I originally came to ask for a market license for my Kingsbridge..."
"Go on, Prior, you can tell me anything," Stephen remarked teasingly.
"Well, excellency, I remember how much you enjoyed my company last time I visited... and I was wondering if you'd enjoy me as much this time around."
"Philip, you know I enjoy the company of an intelligent, handsome man as yourself any time."
Philip blushed. He wasn't sure how to take the king's comments. Philip felt a faint stirring in his loins, and he was glad his habit wasn't revealing enough to show anything. Stephen noticed how shy the monk was becoming now and remarked, "I will grant you your license, Prior, but on one condition. Come, teach me of Sodom and Gomorrah."