Rearrange Me

XVIII

Eleanora

"C'est mais-" Philippe lowers the book. "Are you paying attention?"

I giggle. "Not at all."

"You wished for me to read to you but you are not even listening?" I look up at him as he smiles.

We are currently resting on a sofa in the library. I am reclined in Philippe's arms.

"I apologize." I giggle like a schoolgirl. "I really am trying. I am afraid I distract myself when people read aloud."

"So why did you wish for me to do so?" His brow arches.

"For I enjoy the sound of your voice."

"You enjoy the sound of my voice? I do not believe I have heard such a thing." He looks out the window in thought.

I giggle once again. "Do go on with the story."

Philippe kisses my cheek and re-opens the book. "Les imbéciles ont l'habitude de-"

"Milady, I must-" Maryellen cuts herself off and stops in her place when she sees Philippe. She curtsies, "Your Majesty."

"Is something the matter?" I ask, sitting up straight.

"Oh, I shall come back in late time if you wish?"

I shake my head. "'Tis alright. What is it?" Philippe straightens and closes the book.

Maryellen clasps her hands behind her back. "Milady, you have been here past time, and you have not yet bled. Alberta has taken notice, and you do not have much more time until the others too, take notice."

I look to Philippe and he reaches for my hand, squeezing it once. "Maryellen, would you be so kind to fetch me Maurice?"

Maryellen curtsies once again. "Yes, Your Majesty."

My eyes roll. "Do stop the curtsying. We have had this discussion many times, Maryellen."

"But, His Majesty-"

"His Majesty will survive, I reckon." I look at him with an impertinent smile. "Won't you, Your Majesty?"

"You may formally drop the curtsy." Philippe waves her off. "But only when no other is in presence."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Maryellen starts to curtsy but stops herself. "I shall go summon Maurice, as you asked."

"Thank you, Maryellen!" I call out as she leaves.

Philippe pulls me into our previous position and kisses the top of my head. I hold onto his forearm and sigh. "It shall be alright, darling," He tells me before opening the book back to the page we were on. "Les imbéciles ont l'habitude de croire que tout ce qui est écrit par un auteur célèbre est admirable." Philippe stops reading and glances behind us.

"You wished to speak with me, Sire?"

"Yes, Maurice." We sit up and Maurice appears in front of us. "We have decided it is time to consummate. Tonight."

"Tonight? Sire, that is not enough time to-"

Philippe changes his tone to the one that often frightens me. "It is to be tonight and that is final. I believe you have all day to invite the people necessary, yes?"

"Yes, Sire. I will do as I must to see that the necessary people are present."

"You are dismissed."

Maurice walks out with a bow, and I turn to Philippe.

"Tonight?"

"It is best if we just do it, Nora. Better to get it over with, yes?" He brushes my hair from my face. "I will be right there with you the entire time—just as uncomfortable as you. I will not let them see anything. I promise."