The Travellers Chronicles Book Two: To Change A Kingdom

Chapter One

March 1537
Tess's Chambers, Télèsphores' Apartments, Château Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, Kingdom of France

"But why does it have to be me?" Tess asked Sybille, in English, for the thousandth time.

Sybille passed another skirt to the maids who were packing for Tess. "It must be you because you are the only one I trust to keep an eye on them."

"The Duke of Angoulême is going is he not? Is that not enough?"

Her friend stopped helping pack and took her hands leading her to the bed, whispering to her. "Charles is not in on our secret."

"But—" Tess looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. "What about when I need to eat? Is me disappearing not going to be suspicious?"

"That is why I got you this." Sybille pulled a flask out of her pocket and passed it to her friend. "It is filled, and I spelled it to refill every time it empties."

"Like your medication?"

"Exactly like my medicine. You should have no problems." Sybille sighed. "Remember, as well, that the Duke and Duchess of Orléans know some about us now and they are not in favour of us. You must not make them any more suspicious."

"I do not think I can do this."

Sybille took her friend's hands again. "I believe in you, Elizabeth. And I trust in you."

Tess looked over at the maids packing and sighed. "Very well, I will do this." She turned back to her friend. "For you."

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March 1537
Château Courtyard, Château Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, Kingdom of France

Sybille and Niko stood next to Duke with the rest of the court behind them to see off the King and the others planning to spread the word around the country about their plans for a constitutional monarchy.

Tess came up to Sybille. "I will miss you."

Sybille hugged the girl playing her sister. "And I you, Elizabeth." As they parted, she gave Tess a look that said, 'don't forget your job'.

Sybille's great-grandparents came up to her. The Duchess kissed her cheek after they bowed to Duke. Then they took their places back near the King. Charles was next to bid farewell.

After, the Duke and Duchess of Orléans came over to them, bowing to Duke. "Brother." The Duke of Orléans said.

"Be safe, brother." Duke said as they clasped hands.

As they retreated, the King and Queen came up to the engaged couple. Queen Eleanor hugged Sybille, who had become like a daughter to her. Eleanor had had to leave her daughter in Austria when she married the King, and found comfort in having a now close relationship with Duke's future wife.

Duke and Sybille bowed to the King before he spoke to his son. "Take care of my kingdom in my absence."

"I will, Father. May your journey bear fruit."

The King and Queen climbed into their carriage along with the Duke and Duchess of Télèsphore. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Orléans, Tess, and Charles climbed into their own carriage. The court watched as they all left to travel all over France as many counselors were doing as well.

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The next day, Sybille and Duke sat in the council chambers with Lévis discussing the country's next move.

"We are to speak with King James about a potential marriage alliance with my sister, Madeleine." Duke started the conversation.

"However, we cannot allow that marriage to happen." Sybille told him.