Charles V Chambers

Inge heard about Emperor Charles's presence at french court. She always wanted to meet him..and she thought this was a good moment to introduce herself to him. She also heard about his fight with his brother Ferdinand, and she was curious to hear more about this by his own voice. That's why she reached Rambouillet Castle where he was spending his time. She just hoped he had time to receive a simple lady in waiting..and she was a bit scared of him. But now she was there and it was too late to come back. She was led to his chambers by his guards. Once inside, she even didn't raise her eyes and she was staring at the ground while curtsing deeply

"Your Majesty.."

She barely said with trembling voice

I was in my chambers contemplating my brother's mistakes and at how Queen Eleanor defended him when my guards came in escorting a young lady who wished to see me and as I had ordered the guards had bound her hands behind her back as was tradition to do to someone whom I did not know and as they escorted her into my chambers and she curtsied not raising her head then I looked over.

"I am informed that you wished to speak with me young lady however until I am satisfied with what you tell me your hands will remain tied behind your back until I know I can trust you and that you are not some spy for my foul brother or a servant of my sister for I have been humiliated by them both. So tell me what is your name and why are you here? I said to her as the guards whispered to Inge that she was not to look at the Emperor unless he said so.

Inge was still staring at floor, not daring looking directly at him. But she could hear his voice and she trembled a bit. Her hands were tied behind her back, so she felt more vulnerable. She needed to gain his trust to be free

"Your Majesty..I swear that I am not a spy. My name is Inge Bergmann..and I come from Bavaria. Your sister Queen Eleanor offered me a place in her household. And since..I heard a lot about you..I just wanted to meet you. You..you have no need to keep me tied, I am not a danger for you. But I thank you..deeply, Your Majesty, for giving me the honour to stay at your presence. Since I have no title and I'm unworthy even talking to you.."

She said curtsing again. And while doing that her mantle fell from her shoulders. She couldn't keep it because of her tied hands. So she now was sharing her blue gown, that showed her waistline and her neckline very clearly. Realizing that, she blushed a bit

I looked over at Inge as her mantle fell to the floor and her waistline now showed.

"From Bavaria you say? An interesting place. Tell me have you accepted the position my sister has offered you in the French Court? I will decide as of when you will be released and you have presented yourself politely to me and with no danger and so that is why you are still here in my presence but with your hands tied until your earn my trust. I say as I nod to the guards and they place Inge in a chair next to mine by the fire. I give them the signal and they whisper in her ear and she is allowed to look up.

"Now I know you would like to be free of those ropes and I will release you however I would like for you to act as a spy for me in the French Court and work for Spain of if not then you will force me to hurt your son lady Inge for I had my men find him when you told me your name as I need something I could use to have you close to me. Now accept my proposal and if you do their will be a healthy sum of money for you in it and no harm will come to either of you but refuse and you will force me to take action. I say as the guards pull back the curtain revealing Inge's son blindfolded and tied. "What will it be Inge? I say knowing she has not much choice.

Inge looked at her son's Leo terribly scared because of Charles's words. She turned towards him with begging eyes

"Your Majesty..please! Release my son..he is just a young boy. Yes...I have accepted your sister's offer. And I will do whatever you wish. But please..leave my son alone! I will do anything to save his life. Anything.."

She said hoping that he could be merciful towards an innocent boy

I looked at Inge and could see how much she cared for her son.

"Very well I have no need for your son anyway he will be released and now before I release you I would like you to travel to Versailles to my sister and serve as one of her ladies. It will give you close access to those around her and there is one in particular I want you to report back to me on the slave girl Dilara Hatun who has humiliated the family and I want to know what she does and where she goes and also what happens with my sister Eleanor too. Do this and I promise your son will not be harmed in anyway. Now will you agree to this?[/color]

Inge nodded, still shocked and worried for her son

As you wish, Your Majesty. I'll do my best to bring you informations about..this slave girl. Just..give me your word that my son will be safe. In return..I promise to serve you in anything you wish..

She said with trembling voice but she dared looking straight at him, this time

I looked towards Inge then Satisfied I spoke.

"If you do as I ask your son will not be harmed in any way on this you do have my word. You may leave with your son but just remember this there will be someone watching you at all times to ensure that you do as you have been told. I say as I nod my head to the guards and they untie Inge hands and release her.

Inge nodded as the guards realesed her, so she stood up

I'll do as you command, Your Majesty. Thank you for your mercy towards my son..

She curtsied deeply before him

I looked at the Lady Inge then spoke.

"You are welcome my Lady I shall look forward to hearing from you again.

Inge nodded, and after curtsing deeply, she left his presence lowering her eyes. She had a mission, now. And she had to serve Charles as best as she could, for her son's sake

I had my guards follow Inge at a safe distance for I did not fully trust her yet.