TRAITOR── charles valois

une

❨𝒐𝒏𝒆❩
charles betrothed, suprise

The carriage trotted down the path as Claude and I sat uncomfortably in the tiny space. Father Benoit snored peacefully beside Claude. I stifled a laugh she rolled her eyes at the sleeping priest. A frown was painted on her delicate face and it was obvious she was somewhat nervous about returning home. My own nerves were shot high in the sky. I had never stepped foot in French Court, nor was I prepared to now.

"Don't worry Thaia, my brothers are super nice." Claude spoke. I gave her a tight smile, as she gripped my hands gently.

"Here we are." The driver of the carriage piped up from next to the carriage. I had been so trapped with my own nerves I hadn't even realized that the carriage had stopped. The driver took a swig from his flask, catching Claudes eye.

"May I?" She inquired sweetly. The driver looked at her unsure of how to respond. "Just a sip." She glanced back at me, "I could use some courage right about now."

"No, my dear, you're highborn and far too young." He told Claude, who looked displeased.

"You will give it to me." She commanded. I chewed on my bottom lip nervously. French Court was right outside this carriage, and the only person I knew was Claude, who was far to busy trying to get a swig of whiskey.

"I feel better already." Claude commented. My gaze snapped to her as she patted the driver on the back. "Wake him up for me, would you?" She asked before hopping down from the carriage. "Come on Althaia!" She hollered. I took a deep breath before I stepped onto solid ground.

When I exited the carriage Claude was already around the corner. I smoothed my red dress with a gold bodice and hurried after her.

"I remember you, too. Now close your mouth, Bow." Claude said to guard who quickly lowered himself at her presence.

"Beg your pardon, truly." All of the guards bowed.

"Damn you work fast." I muttered, coming to her side. She smirked proudly.

"Now go and tell Catherine
her daughter's here. Tell everyone
that Princess Claude is home." The first guard left. Claude hooked her arm with mine as we protruded into the castle.

The Palace of Fontainebleau was huge compared to Chlemoutsi Castle in Greece. I found my eyes drawn to the intricate designs on the walls and the beautifully tiled floor.

"Mother. Please don't be angry
with poor Father Benoit. I cried, I begged, I pleaded. I missed you so. I missed my home." Claude spoke sweetly. She hugged her mother who's face turned up at the smell of whiskey on Claudes breath.

"You smell of whiskey already." Cathrine released her daughter. I stood frozen as her eyes landed on me.

"Oh mother! I brought a guest." My feet shuffled forward on the ground. A small smile forced its way to my face. "Princess Althaia, Charles's betrothed!" Claude cried happily. Cathrines eyes lit up and a smile etched onto her features.

"Hello dear, hello." She wrapped her arms around me quickly. My eyes widened in surprise. I slowly returned her hug. "It's so good to meet you!"

"You as well." I responded, curtsying.

"Althaia, this is my brother, Francis." Claude told me, dragging me to the other side of the room where the blonde king stood. He smiled widely.

"Claude. You look well." He also hugged his sister. I glanced around at all the unfamiliar faces.

"Hi, I'm Mary." A girl spoke, now beside me. She smiled sweetly at me, her presence calmed my nerves.

"I'm Althaia." I told her, shaking her out stretched hand.

"Dearest sister, may I
acquaint you with Mary, my wife and your Queen." Francis spoke. Upon hearing her name Mary turned to Claude. Claude curtsied at the presence of the Queen. Instantly I felt embarrassed. I should've realized that I was talking to Mary Queen of Scots. I fiddled with the sleeve of my dress as Claude went around the room saying hello to everyone.

"Please show Althaia to her chambers." Cathrine told a guard who quickly motioned for me to follow him. I glanced back at Claude who was engaged in a conversation with Sebastian before heading off with the guard.

He didn't speak, even though I wish he did. The two of us walked in an awkward silence down the hall and up a flight of steps. The guard stopped at the end of the hall in front of a thick wood door.

"Your chambers, Princess Althaia of Greece and Russia." He bowed before leaving me on my own, once again. Sometimes I liked to be alone, but in this castle I had nobody to want to be alone from. I opened the doors with a sigh. The room was light and airy. Large windows painted the walls and the bed was placed in front of the two largest windows in the center of the room. I noticed my chests had already been brought and the servants were starting to unpack my belongings.

I sat down in front of the vanity I would now call mine. A small mirror was placed in the center of the aged oak, allowing the perfect size to see my face. A knock sounded at the door, snapping my attention away from mu reflection.

"Mary, Queen of Scots." The raven haired queen entered my chambers at her announcement. She stood awkwardly in the doorway as a guard closed the door behind her.

"I figured you would want some company." I smiled gratefully.

"Yeah, that'd be nice." I told her. I got up from my vanity and went to take a seat at the end of my bed. "Come sit." Mary smiled and sat next to me.

"I know what it's liked to be new, you must feel so alone." I bit my lip and nodded. "Do you know when Charles is coming to court, I mean I assume that's why you are here."

"I'm not sure. In all honesty I got dragged here by Claude." I shrugged. My fingers delicately traced the patterns on my skirt.

"Just know I'm your friend. If you ever want to talk." I smiled widely at the Queens words, maybe I wouldn't be so alone after all.

chapter 2 done or i guess the official chapter 1

enjoy :)