The Travellers Chronicles Book Two: To Change A Kingdom

Chapter Two

In a nice dress the colour of the flag of Scotland, Sybille stood next to Duke as King James's carriage rolled up. All of court was there to receive him. When the King climbed out of the carriage with his retune, he walked over to Duke. Both he and Sybille bowed and curtsied, respectively, to the King.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of France, Your Grace." Duke greeted. "May I introduce my betrothed, Mademoiselle Margaret Lalonde."

Sybille smiled to the King. "It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Your Grace."

He reached for Sybille's hand and kissed the back of it. "The honour is mine to meet such a lovely young lass."

Sybille smiled to him as Duke cleared his throat. "We have prepared a feast in your honour to have tonight. We would be pleased if you would join us."

"Of course, it is nice to have a proper welcome."

Sybille signalled to some guards. "They will lead you to your rooms. I hope you enjoy your stay, Your Grace."

"I believe I will."

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With a deep green dress that included a pattern of Scottish thistle, Sybille entered the great hall with Duke.

"You look beautiful tonight, My Love." He whispered to her as they took their seats.

As his betrothed and a host of King James, Sybille had been given a seat of honour next to Duke. "And you look quite handsome. Thank you again for commissioning such a beautiful gown for the evening."

"You can have as many dresses from me as your heart desires." He vowed. "Soon they will all be gifts from me." Sybille blushed at the implication of their upcoming marriage.

After the feast of roast pig, King James stood from beside Duke. "Shall we start the dance?"

"Of course." Duke stood to take Sybille's hand.

"If I may, I would like to open the dance with Lady Margaret. Do you mind me borrowing your betrothed, Your Grace?"

Duke did mind, but couldn't say no to a King who was a guest in his father's court. Though it broke him to say so, he answered in affirmation. "Of course, I do not mind. Please, enjoy your dance."

Hesitantly, Sybille stood, took King James by the hand, and let him lead her to the dance floor. In his arms she felt uncomfortable, as she always did when dancing with anyone but Duke. Even with Charles, who she trusted implicitly, she would have felt uncomfortable.

Sybille cleared her throat. "How are your rooms?"

"They are wonderful, thank you for asking." King James knew she was uncomfortable and wanted to ease her fears. "Do not worry, I will be a perfect gentleman during this dance."

"You make it sound as though you will not be a gentleman the rest of the time." She joked.

"I did not mean to imply that." He told her. "I want a good relationship between France and Scotland. I would not risk that."

"I wish the same."

"I have been told you will sit in on our negotiations." The King mentioned. "I also heard that you had a hand in the changes that have come to France."

"I have." Sybille confirmed. "Does that bother you?"

"Not in the least." He answered assuredly. "I hold a throne that came to my family through a female heir. I believe women are as influential as men, perhaps more so."

"More so?"

"Women have the ear of the man they love." King James explained. "And the men listen because they value the woman they love's opinion."