Madeleine Bernadotte
"It has been said that Francis is a frail dwarf with undescended testicles. However, I'm sure that is not the case as you have a type and undescended does not fit the criteria, you deserve even the slightest bit of descended one can offer.
Now I mustn't speak to you as a brother, more so a friend when I say HURRY UP AND GET ENGAGED I WANT TO GO TO FRANCE AND BE RID OF YOU. Never the less, I wish you all the luck against she who shall not be named (wink wink) and I shall see you on the near future.
Forever and always, Terrin."
"Letter from home?" A voice startled me and I finish reading Terrin's letter, I turn to face the king of France, Henry. I don't see him much and his presence frightens me as he beds any woman he wants. So what does he want from me?
"Yes your majesty, a letter from my younger brother wishing me good health and love from my family at home" I Lie slightly, he'll never know though.
"Well that's great news but im here to talk to you about Francis. It would seem that he's taken a particular interest in you, also the servants heard him speaking with Sebastian about this and I'm here to tell you to keep away. He's engaged and he will wed Mary to secure a claim to England." He commands whilst moving closer to me, I quickly fold the letter and slip it under a candle before turning to him. He leans over me and pushes some of my hair behind my head. And leaning in,
"A powerful woman like you needs power, not a dauphin. I could show you what you need. Meet me in my chamber tonight and I'll show you a better time than my son could ever" he whispers, placing a kiss on my cheek before walking out the room just as my ladies walk in.
"What did Henry want?" Annitah asks taking a seat on my sofa in front of the mantle.
"He wants me to lay off Francis and go to his chambers tonight" I state fiddling with my fingers.
"He invited lady Kenna to his chambers as well, do you think he'll bed you?" Mira asks as I look at her.
"I hope not. I want Francis not some boring old king who's half way to the grave. I also do not want to get on Catherine De Medici's bad side after she's mothered me for so long, it would be losing family all over again" I whisper the last part as a tear slips from my eye.
"They'll find them, bestie" Mira reassures, dubbing my back slowly and I wipe my tears and stand up.
"I'm going to see Catherine then take a walk, you have some time to yourselves and get to know French court better" I state walking out the door with my head held high, straight to Catherine's chambers.
I push the doors open and wander to where Catherine sits with a box of poisons.
"We have a problem" I state grasping my hands in front of me as she looks up, setting the box down she walks closer to me and looks me in the eyes.
"What is the problem dear?" She questions looking into my eyes.
"Your husband" I state as she rolls her eyes slightly and wanders away from me.
"What has he done now? Bed another woman? Accidentally cut Sebastian in their training sessions? Dropped his crown? Done..." she does not finish as I interrupt her.
"He told me to stay away from Francis and to meet him in his chambers tonight" I state as she looks at me in horror.
"What did he say in particular?" She questions walking towards me and a tear slips down my cheek and I start to sob quietly, falling to the ground.
"Answer me child, it's okay I'm here for you" she whispers kneeling next to me and taking my hand in hers.
"He said 'a powerful woman like you needs power, not a dauphin. I could show you what you need. Meet me in my chamber tonight and I'll show you a better time than my son could ever' then kissed me on the cheek and I and I" I whisper sobbing violently into my hand which covers my mouth trying to muffle the sound of the sobs.
"Sweetheart I'm sure he means nothing, but knowing his record I understand why you would assume these sorts of things. I mean it's not like he..." she gets interrupted by the door opening.
"Mother I must, what happened?" It's Francis, the man I'm meant to woo is seeing me cry to his mother about his father. Great.
"She received a letter from home, her younger sister, Tove. I'm sure you've heard of her. Has fallen ill and she may not recover. However, Madeleine cannot go see her as she lives in a children's home which Madeleine cannot get to" she states handing me a letter, which indeed states that Tove is ill causing me to burst into more tears.
"Can't Tove come here?" Francis asks, kneeling next to me and pulling me into his arms.
"That will risk her health even more" Catherine states.
"What about the rest of her family?" He ponders as I sob more into his chest. His hand running through my hair and pulling me in tighter, afraid that is he let's go, I'll run.
"We could write to her half brother, he lives with Tove. Maybe he could help us more" she says.
"What's his name?" Francis asks into my hair whilst placing a kiss in my head.
"Te-t-terrin" I stutter, gripping onto Francis like my life depends on it.
"Send word to Terrin mother, ask him for help please. I'll take Madeleine out for a while" he says, pulling me up whilst guiding me to the door. Once out the door.
"Y-you don't have to do this" I whisper whilst hiccuping, wow I'm an ugly crier.
"I want to." He says as I look to the side and see Mary, Dianne, her ladies and Henry watching us with a scowl.
"I want to, my love".
