'Sometimes we have to sacrifice our youths in order to let people live.'
Tulia Byrne has been a Queen for longer than she could remember. Her story begins so carefree and so full of love and yet by the end of it you'll be wondering if you even know...
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29th April 1562
Catherine and Tulia were stood in the court room pacing. A young boy had been found in the village with Charles' crown, he said that he just gave it to him and said he no longer needed it. Charles had been missing from court for an entire month now and Tulia couldn't decide if she was more worried for Charles or the people who inevitably crossed his path.
His crown was firmly in her hands as she spun it around carefully, analysing every inch of it and trying to take her mind off of things. Catherine had tried to assure her that everything was fine but Tulia could tell that the Queen mother wasn't even sure that what she was saying was right.
The sound of heavy footsteps bounced off of the walls of the room as someone made their way inside with vigour. Narcisse had arrived with some news.
"We have a problem." He stated as he got closer to the pair who were sat nervously on the court room sofas.
"When do we not have a problem." Tulia sighed, standing up to move closer to Narcisse who gave her an knowing look.
"If you're referring to the fact that Charles hasn't been seen in weeks and he gave his crown to a peasant, we don't have a 'problem' Narcisse," Catherine groaned. "We have a disaster."
"Well it's about to get a whole lot worse." Narcisse grimaced. "I've just learnt that your daughter, Leeza, is drafting a letter for Charles to sign, formally abdicating the throne."
"Charles can't abdicate." Tulia stutters. "Harry is the Dauphin and he hasn't even passed his first birthday."
"Spain will look to a stronger candidate." Catherine cut in. "Charles' younger brother."
"Another Henri." Tulia rolled her eyes, replace one with the other, it didn't mean much to Leeza or Spain.
"They'll make their own bid for the throne, which will allow King Philip to take advantage of the instability and present Spain as a better option." Narcisse added, moving to sit down next to Catherine.
"That would make France a Spanish territory." Tulia observed.
"Charles' absence buys time." Catherine proposed. "He can't sign anything if his whereabouts are unknown."
"Yes, but Leeza has her Spanish guards combing the countryside as we speak." Narcisse reminded, there was no way they would find Charles before she did.
"We have to find him first." Tulia spoke up with confidence. "It's the only chance we have."
"I have sources that had told me of a family outside of Meaux." Catherine confirmed, looking at Tulia and Narcisse with a new found hope. "They recently took in a mysterious boarder, maybe it's Charles. Tulia and I will go at once."
"Catherine." Narcisse stopped, looking at the former Queen in worry. "Charles didn't just run away from his duty. He also ran away from you..."
"I'm the problem now?" Catherine scoffed, looking at Narcisse in disbelief.
