Courtyard

no he is too busy with his other family as I look around but one day I do hope we can be together

"I am deeply sorry Princess. Surely it is complicated." I look into her sad eyes and hoping a smile would cheer her up "Would I be in any use in my service to you that you need?"

"Is there anything I can do to make things better? I really hate to see a Princess quite unhappy

"She is well. I haven't spoken to her lately Queens can be quite busy when it comes to politics.

"Indeed it does. I presume it's like that for you and your father? Being all busy and all sorts. I wonder what it's like being a princess

"Does it ever get tiresome for you?" When it comes to books and learning new things, I think it should be fun.

"Let me think, I am the daughter of a nobleman and the youngest of his children" being the youngest can be quite a challenge

"a bastard? That sounds awful. I thought you were a legitimate daughter. I never thought she would be illigitimate to a great king. " My hometown is not that quite far. It's quite nice to be here, seeing new things at court.

I sigh in relief "Well that is good. All men of status should love their children of all kind."

"where could you possibly if he denied you?" I ask the Princess

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The whirl of the past few days I fear has caught up to me. Though we are engaged in an important negotiation for peace, how I yearn for the day when this is all through and I may take a trip and relax just a little. As I step out into the courtyard to get some fresh air, I look up and am startled. There before me is Marguerite. I knew my sister was returning to Versailles, but I'd no warning when. I approach her smiling with open arms.

"Marguerite, ma soeur... this is an unexpected pleasure"

"Merci Marguerite, you look stunning yourself... I was unsure when you would arrive as I only received the news only yesterday... alas, news still travels slowly....perchance you would like to join me for wine and wine and cheese?"

What auspicious timing for Marguerite to visit! With Francis himself at court. I fear greatly this may effect our peace negotiation and hope that she may keep a low profile until he and his queen leave Versailles.

I laugh, amused at Marguerite's wit. She always was the most amusing of our siblings and would frequently cause me to burst out in laughter with her sense of humor... it is sad that one so light of heart, so vivacious, should suffer so."The ladies are lovely as ever... speaking of weaknesses, we have many handsome Ducs et les Seigneurs here at Versailles as well... perchance you may have your pick of le creme, oui?" I say and crook my arm for her to take it.

"Comema chère sœur... let us indulge and catch up on old times." as Marguerite takes my arm I think of how much Marguerite and I are alike... always wanting that which we cannot have.

I halt our walk and turn and look Marguerite in the eyes. "Il n'est pas tellement chère sœur... you did nothing to bring shame to us nor to yourself... you were swept away and carried out to sea by the tides of passion... I know them well. Do not punish yourself, for now you are here... loved... you are a Valois, oui?... we may take the blow, but we always rise again!"

Marguerite and I share a smile and continue our walk. "Claude is indeed with child again. I am most pleased indeed... she has always been dutiful to both husband and country... the Duke of Bavaria?... on official business or a social call?"

As we enter the palace, our footsteps echoing through the hallway, I chuckle at Marguerite's suggestion. "Ma chère sœur... we have never kept secrets from one another... I shall answer anything you ask as best I can, yet with discretion as well. You are so right Marguerite, I am a man in love... my heart is full beyond measure, oui?... I am certain you are not shocked at the fact that I am in love with more than one woman... 'tis not merely the nature of kings, but the nature of man..."

I hold out my hand and we walk into le salon. "However mon sœur make no mistake... each of my loves is worth ten of me, that is the truth... it is truly how I feel about them in my heart." We walk toward two upholstered chairs and I gesture to the servant. "pain de vin et de fromage s'il vous plaît."

My carriage arrives in the courtyard, I quickly glance out the small window happy to be back in France. A gentleman servant helps me from the carriage i stand in the courtyard taking a deep breath feeling the golden sun shine upon me.