They got their chance when the royal party was separated.
Gaveston took refuge in Scarborough,
and Edward and Isabella, alone for once,
headed for the fortified city of York.
They were here at York Castle when they heard the dramatic news
that Gaveston had been starved out of the fortress at Scarborough
and was now a prisoner of the lords.
Edward was consumed with anxiety about the fate of his favourite.
Isabella's reaction isn't recorded,
but we might assume it was rather different.
Isabella thought Gaveston's removal might allow her to take her rightful place at her husband's side.
But it was becoming clear
that only death would separate Gaveston from Edward once and for all.
Isabella was still here at York with her husband
when word came of a bloody drama
that had played itself out 100 miles further south.