The Lady Justice

Chapter XIV: I Refuse, I Refuse Not

Lady Therese De Beauharnais of Roche

11 October, Year 32 of King Frederick V of Monrique's reign

Bordeux Castle, Bordeux

Monrique

I ran a hand through my curls, sighing.

My final law examinations were going to take place in a little more than a week's time. Out of sheer desperation, I was seated here, with my cup of coffee, my books and notes on the windowsill, even before dawn had broken.

However, at the moment, I was briefly distracted. My bedchambers looked over the courtyard, and I was watching, through my frosted windows, Lady Rochelle carry and load her trunks and belongings into the waiting carriage by the front steps with Lady Evangeline's help.

Lord Testalt had mentioned last night that he was going to send his sister home to his parents, but I had not known that he would be able to arrange that on such short notice. He was currently speaking to the horsemen below solemnly, and he ran his hands through his hair once every few moments, clearly anxious for her journey.

For once, however, my gaze was not drawn to him, but to her.

Lady Rochelle looked quite a sight. Although her hair was neatly braided, and her gown was neat and crisp, her baby blue eyes were still bloodshot from all the whiskey she had drunk the night before, and her countenance was drawn and exhausted.

Even from where I sat, I could see the bright pink palm print stand out against the pale skin on her cheeks, where I had slapped her last night.

I closed my eyes in relief, leaning against the cool windowpane. Although I wished her the best in her recovery, I did not want her anywhere near Tommy ever again. She would never hurt the child again, not while I lived.

By God, I wished it were this easy to make my own mother leave me alone.

But nay, she was still here, her chambers a few steps away from my own. I had not seen her in almost a week after she had confronted me in my chambers, and no doubt she was plotting and scheming anew, cooped up in her rooms.

Whatever she was planning, I prayed she left me out of it.

At that moment, I felt someone shake my arm. "Tessie. Tessie."

I looked down to see little Tommy blinking up at me, hazy with sleep. His eyes were still puffed up from crying so much the night before, and his sweet voice hoarse.

"Why are you awake so soon, Tessie?" he mumbled in confusion, "mornings make you grumpy."

I smiled wryly. "I could ask you the same question, mon ange."

"It was starting to get too cold," he admitted, "brrr." He shuddered for good measure.

I frowned, glancing towards the fireplace, to find the fire almost dying out. I pushed my books aside, and lifted Tommy up onto my lap, covering him with the furs around my shoulders.

"Better?" I rubbed his hands and feet.

He nodded, snuggling against me as he looked outside the window. Almost at once, he sat upright, horrified.

"Tessie!" he put his face close to the window, squinting outside, "is that Mama? And Auntie Evie? And Oncle Ned? Where are they going without me?" He sounded hurt.

"Nay – "

His eyes began to fill with tears. "Is it because of yesterday?" his lower lip trembled, the horror of yesterday clear in his eyes, "am I being punished?"