The Travellers Chronicles Book Two: To Change A Kingdom

Chapter Five

Early the next morning, Sybille and Duke awoke in each other's arms. She didn't want it ever to end.

"Duke?" Sybille needed to talk to him about immortality. "Would you like this never to end?"

"Of course." He moved to look her in the eyes. "Why would I not wish that?"

She sighed. "No one knows how long we have together, but we could extend that."

"What do you mean?"

Sybille sat up against the headboard, looking at her puzzled husband. "As you know, Tess is a Vampire. She will stay with me for eternity. We could turn you as well, and you could also remain with me forever. After the birth of our children, of course."

Duke had thought long and hard about that for some time. He wanted to be sure of his answer when Sybille broached the subject. "I do not wish for that."

Tears began to prick at Sybille's eyes. "You do not wish to be with me forever?"

Duke pulled her into his arms. "That is not true." He wiped at the tears that began to flow freely from Sybille's eyes. "It is not that I do not wish to be with you, I simply want to live this one life God has granted me with you at my side. When my life comes to an end, I want you in my arms as I greet God." She did not want to think of Duke dying, it made her heart clench. "Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"When my time comes, go to Scotland for your safety. Change your name and appearance, and live happily for a time. Think of me often, and protect yourself." He ran a hand through her tangled hair. "I cannot bare to think of you coming to harm."

"I will fulfill all you wish, My Love."

------

14 July 1537

Less than two weeks had passed from Sybille's wedding and she and Tess now stood in the council chambers with the King, Queen, and Duke amongst the counselors. The friends and the Queen were the only females present.

"Bring forth the newly completed constitution!" The King called out. Lévis sat it on the table in front of the royal couple. When he retreated, the King signed with a flourish. "On this day, I sign into creation the constitutional monarchy hereafter known as the Kingdom of France!"

------

August 1537

After the first election results were announced, it seemed that the Duke of Télèsphore had won a place on the council, much to the relief of the King. Lévis had been named head of the council.

------

Over the next few months many changes came to court. The Télèsphores had remained until after the first government session and then retreated home. Many of the noble families that were not elected decided to leave court and it was now small. Many others had not accepted Duke's marriage and the King himself had banned them from court for months.

Tess and Sybille had kept in contact with King James. He wanted them to council him on the moves of his kingdom. Through their letters they developed a familial relationship, coming to see King James as a brother of sorts. It warmed Sybille's heart as she had always had problems with her sisters, and had always wanted a brother. It was different for Tess; the close relationship had made her miss her siblings all the more.

------

June 1538

Sybille was uncomfortable. She and Duke sat in a carriage with Henri and Catherine as they travelled with the King to Villeneuve-Loubet outside of Nice. They were to witness a treaty signing.