𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝

𝙁𝙄𝙑𝙀

The next morning Hal was up early, as he had a meeting with William to discuss his plans for the future. He bid Colette a goodbye by kissing her head, and leaving the room.

After two hours Colette finally got up. Her ladies in waiting helped her dress and did her hair and makeup.

She walked down, outside to the castle grounds. She and Hal had arranged to walk with Philippa, as they rarely got to see her since her marriage.

The three stood outside, the two women petting camels nearby, smiling and laughing with each other. Camels in 1400 England were not common

"Did you reconcile with our father before his death?" Philippa asked as she stood on Colette's left.

"There was no reconciliation to be had. He did untold harm to this kingdom. His death will bring calm with it." Hal said.

"Hopefully" Colette whispered under her breath. Ever since the Dauphin sent Hal a ball she had an unsettling feeling within her.

"I ask not after the kingdom. What of you?" Philippa asked her brother.

"I want an end to this unrest." Hal answered.

Philippa looked up breathing in slightly trying to find the right words to say to her brother. "Look around that table last night. Look at the faces of the men seated at it. I can feel this calm of which you speak. I do believe they wish you well." Philippa said

Colette looked up sending a "but" coming, and she was right.

"But I also see that they have their own kingdoms behind their eyes. Do you understand what I say? I have been away too many years and I'm no to return to Denmark. But I have, in my time in that court been privy to its commissions. I have seen there, again and again, that no one ever speaks true, wholly true." Philippa said and they all stopped and stood in silence for a moment.

"I for one, feel there may be some in this castle who are not who they seem" Colette said speaking of a certain elder man whom constantly consulted with Hal.

Philippa nodded "choose your steps wisely, dear brother." She said.

After that the conversation went back to small talk. All three still thinking about the words they had shared. Philippa returned home that day
after a long goodbye from both Colette and Hal.

**********************************************

The following day, Hal and Colette were sitting in the throne room listening to the archbishop talk. Although Colette was yet to be officially queen, because she was betrothed to Hal it was a given that she would be. Because of this she was permitted to join him in such events.

Hal was on her left and sat on a slightly larger wooden thrown, a red cloak and fur top placed around him. Colette sat in her own smaller throne, wearing a blue dress, but like her fiancé had a red cloak on top.

She listened as the archbishop began to talk, mentioning war with France and their lineage. As he babbled on he spoke about ten different words a second, some of which Colette had never heard of.

She turned to Hal, tapping on his hand that was resting on the side of the throne he sat on. As soon as she did her turned to her, waiting for her to speak.

"Have you a notion what in Gods name this man speaks of? She whispered with confusion.

Hal sighed quietly, his hand on top of hers as he turned to the archbishop who was in the middle of speaking.

"With reverence" Hal interrupted him

The archbishop stopped and turned to look at the two with a large book in his hand "Yes, my liege?" The man asked with a lisp.