Day 83: That nasty persistent cough that had previously plagued the Kings concentration and prompted a purge amongst the concubines, have now returned with pneumonic vengeance. Out of the eight ladies remaining, four passed overnight, now leaving only four at the Kings disposal. And the souz-chef went with them, leaving the King no other choice but to saviour his white truffles straight out of the tin as he ponders the situation.

The series charting the lockdown adventures of The King of Thailand and his 20 concubines became a returning feature of my Windows Book, in which I made daily drawings and observations throughout the first lockdown.  I therefore saw it fitting to send them off to its new owner in a box made out of its gutted cover. Seems so long ago now - pandemic innocence. I wonder what he might be doing now, and if he demanded a fresh batch to cope with the pressures of his Bavarian hilltop reign.