'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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31st October 1562
The decorations were being prepared for the birthday celebrations of the Dauphin. Valois and Byrne crests were being hung around every corridor and every room that the servants could find, Tulia enjoyed a bit of festivity but this was all a bit much for a boy who would not remember the day at all a few years later.
Tulia was quite excited nonetheless, Catherine and Anastasie were coming over from France. She hadn't told Lorent, Hal or Alix that the girl was on her way, she wanted it to be a surprise for the family that had missed their sister so dearly.
Currently the young Queen was with her son, assisting him in his attempts at walking. Over the few weeks that had passed since Harry had taken his first steps, Tulia had been dedicating her spare time to helping the boy in his quest to be able to walk and run with his cousin John, and the two O'Connor girls.
He had gotten exceedingly good at it, managing to do a fair few steps before he wobbled or stumbled. Tulia was in love with the idea that her little boy was growing up but at the same time she wanted to keep him as her baby forever.
"Your grace," The voice of Dainial sounded from the doorway. "Catherine de 'Medici's carriage has seen arriving at the gates of the city."
"Thank you," Tulia nodded at him, picking Harry up from the floor and securing him onto her hip. "Please, inform the Leon's that they need to attend Catherine arrival."
"Of course." Dainial nodded, leaving the room nearly as quickly as he had entered.
"Come on love," Tulia cooed, twirling a lock of Harry's hair around her fingers. "Grandmother Catherine will be excited to see you."
Harry clapped his hands in response, earning a loving smile from his mother.
"John, are you coming?" Tulia called into the adjoining room. The older boy had been moved to a separate room because he needed to get used to the idea of having his own. He still had a nanny with him but he now had his own rather than sharing with his royal cousin.
The patter of feet sounded out as the little boy came running her way, Tulia held her hand out for him to grab as he got closer. Together the three nobles walked their way towards the front of the castle where they would be meeting Catherine.
"Is grandma Catherine bringing uncle Charles?" John asked, looking at Tulia with his big innocent blue eyes.
"No, I don't think so." Tulia shook her head, earning a frown from the little boy.
"Why?"
"He's busy in France, John." Tulia smiled softly. "As a King you have to dedicate your life to your country."
"Why?" He pressed again, the boy was at the age where he had to question everything that Tulia said.
"To keep people safe." Tulia answered, casting her eyes over to the Leon's who were already waiting at the grand doors of the castle. "Be a dear and go stand with Alix, I'm sure she'd love to talk to you about Kings and Queens."
