The Travellers Chronicles Book Two: To Change A Kingdom

Chapter Six

14 December 1542

Sybille awoke, and tears flowed from her eyes. Duke was already gone for the day and without warning, Tess came into the room. They held each other as they cried. Though the news was not yet known in France, the friends knew that King James was dead. It was like losing their own brother, and it tore at their hearts.

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Later that day in the council chambers, Duke, Sybille, Tess, and the King discussed what to do now that King James was dead.

"We must go and create a new treaty with Marie de Guise." Sybille insisted.

"I know." The King agreed. "You will go, Margaret. Along with Elizabeth and Francois."

The three nodded in recognition. "We must also take the Duchess of Orleans."

"Why?" Tess asked. "What purpose will she serve?"

"By taking her with us we split them up, and there is less chance of them striking against Charles while we are gone, or anyone else." Syb explained.

"Oh! I understand it now."

"Very well." The King agreed. "Take her with you. But remain vigilant, she could easily attack you as well."

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One Week Later

"I think I am going to hurl!" Sybille cried out.

She was green around the gills as she, Tess, Duke, and Catherine made their way across the English Channel towards Scotland. Within moments her prediction came to fruition, causing the whole room to stink. With Duke speaking to the Captain over the state of the ship and Catherine in her own cabin, Tess sat down beside her friend and rubbed her back.

"Is there something you can take?" Tess asked.

Sybille pointed to a small box that was moving about on the floor from the impact of the waves. "In there. Aunt Germaine sent some things to help with seasickness and lack of vitamin C to prevent scurvy."

Tess nodded her head and went over to capture the box. Thankfully Germaine had labeled them, and she pulled out one of the vials for seasickness. Tess went back over to Sybille and helped her drink the potion. Within moments Sybille was better.

"I do not understand it." Tess said confused. "When you travelled to Newfoundland on waves like this did you ever get seasick?"

"No. But I think these waves are worse here."

"Perhaps, or perhaps you are pregnant!" Tess said excitedly.

"I am not." Sybille was sad about that fact. "I am having my time of the month now; I have a few days left."

Tess rubbed her back again. "It is fine. It will happen for you."

"I am not so sure." Sybille sighed, sadly. "My sister had no problems getting pregnant, nor did my mother. But I seem to have issues, and I do not even take birth control. Should it not have happened by now? I am not getting any younger."

"Remember, according to the court you are twenty-four."

"And, according to the court, I may be barren." Sybille began to cry soft tears. "That cannot happen. If Henri gets the throne..."

"I know. It would spell disaster."

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01 January 1542

Thanks to the potions Sybille survived the rest of the trip without any more seasickness. When they arrived at Leith Harbour they were met by a member of the council.