Between Two Queens

11. Buda, January 1354

Lajos' recovery was quick. Over the next month, Elzbieta, Elizabeta, and much to their irritation, Agatha too, would help dress his wounds daily. During that time, Elizabeta was able to build up her tolerance at the sight of excessive blood. By Christmas the king was walking again, but with a crutch. His physicians were confident that by February, he would be able to walk without assistance and be back to riding his horse. He kept Agatha at court, but could tell that her presence caused much tension for his wife. He could tell that Agatha was still attached to him, even though months ago, he told her he was done. Now he was wondering if he should send Agatha away. As courageous as he was, Lajos soon found himself lacking the courage to tell her it was time to go.      

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One January morning, Elizabeta sat in her chambers with her sister-in-law, Margrete. Elizabeta was bouncing her niece on her lap, and singing a song to her.  Once she was done, the child said tugged on her headdress, seemingly her way of telling her "again!"  This girl was named Erszebet- the Hungarian form of her name, and she was about eighteen months old.  She was the daughter of Istvan and Margarete, and she was currently second in line for the Hungarian throne behind Istvan.  Margarete was currently pregnant with their second child, and Lajos, Istvan, and Elzbieta were hoping it would be a boy, so the Hungarian Anjous would continue.  

Margarete and Istvan watched Elizabeta play with their daughter.  She would make a great mother, Margarete thought.  Eventually, Erszebet started to feel sleepy, and Margarete called for her nurse to put her to bed.  

"Margarete, Istvan, you are always willing to listen to me unlike some other people." Elizabeta said. "In the seven months we've been married, Lajos has not done anything about that whore, Agatha, even though I've told him she needs to go. Sometimes I wonder if he still takes her to his bed sometimes. We do not spend every night together after all." 

"He is making a visit north next month." said Istvan. "I think that it is best that you drive her off while he is gone."  

Elizabeta shook her head. "He is taking her with him.  I overheard that talk from some of the courtiers. Agatha is allowed to go where she pleases." 

Margarete could tell that over the months Elizabeta was irritated by the fact that Lajos was still affectionate to the woman who shared his bed before he married her. She could tell that this was causing her a lot of pain. 

"Istvan, how about you have a talk with your brother about Agatha." said Margarete.  

"I'll try, but I'm not sure how that will go." said Istvan. "As the older brother- and the king, he has always saw it as his role to tell me what to do."  

"I can confront Agatha myself." Elizabeta said proudly.  She smiled, and sat up straight, full of confidence.  "Now is the best time to do it, since the queen mother is out making a pilgrimage.  I won't have to worry about her interfering.  Today, before supper, Lajos will have some free time.  At that time, I'll tell him that it is time to say goodbye to Agatha." 

"And what is to become of Agatha?" said Istvan.

"She will be asked to leave court and never come back." 

"But how will you get her to listen?" asked Margarete.

A sly smile showed on Elizabeta's lips.  "I'll give her some threats..." she said quietly.  "Threats harsh enough to scare her away for good."      

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Elizabeta walked to Lajos' chamber, Beatrix and Matilda behind her.  Two guards were standing at the door.  "My lady" they said as they bowed to her.