𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄. chapter seven; Love And A Hard Place " Defiance to love will be your downfall. "
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KENNA HAD TAKEN advantage of Elspeth knowing of her escapades with the King. As the two readied themselves for the night's function, Kenna explained how Henry wanted her, fully, and how hesitant she was to give her virtue so easily.
"You know I'll just tell you to be careful," Elspeth spoke, setting down the brush used to apply rouge to her lips, "If Henry wants to give you things— security, safety, support— well, there's no better man than a King. But, Kenna. . . he does already have a mistress."
"I know. . ."
"And, if Henry aims to replace Diane, you have to think of her and Sebastian—"
"Okay, Ellie," Kenna sighed, pressing her eyes tightly closed.
Elspeth frowned lightly, standing from her seat to where Kenna sat on her bed. The girl gently grabbed her friend's hands, making Kenna look up.
"I don't mean to make your choice any more difficult, Kenna," Elspeth said honestly, "Perhaps we should just enjoy tonight's festivities and let this linger away from us?"
"I quite like that idea."
It seemed like a good one, on the surface. To escape the worries through good music and wine, but very quickly, Elspeth realized nothing may ever be calm in France.
"Nostradamus," Henry's voice cut through the party like a freshly sharpened silver blade, making the music and chatter halt, "Why don't you share your wisdom with all of us?"
"I don't understand," The man replied.
"Always at my wife's ear. What do you whisper?"
Elspeth watched the exchange from her table, seating the Scottish women. She had yet to meet the man the king spoke to but judged quickly he was important if Catherine held him in high regard.
"I hear Emperor Maximilian has a seer in Prague who can. . . tell fortunes using playing cards. Tell the fortunes of Queen Mary and her ladies."
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Nostradamus knelt at the king's throne, "But I'm not skilled at cards and I don't control my visions. They come and go as they will."
"You're not as good as Maximilian's seer?"
"Leave him alone, Henry" Catherine intervened.
"Oh, come, the man must have something to recommend him since you rely so deeply on his counsel. Hmm?"
Catherine sighed and claimed her own throne as Nostradamus approached the table seating five ladies.
"Each of you pick a card. Have your question ready."
