Eleanor's Dining Room

Inge smiled kindly

"It's so beautiful, Majestè. Thank you. Hope I can repay such generousity. You're a great Queen.."

Inge smiled while finishing her meal. She felt very grateful towards the Queen

Inge smiled warmly at her

"Votre Majestè, I thank you deeply for that. Hope my son could learn more about french culture. I dream he could be a lawyer or a physician, one day.."

She said thinking about Leo

I smiled back at Inge.

"You are most welcome Inge. I think I have the perfect tutor for your son, capable of teaching him whatever it is that you wish. Someone I trust as well.

Inge looked surprised at her

"Oh really? It's very important he is a very trustful person, Majestè. And I trust in you and in your choice for him. I'll be always grateful for that.."

She smiled

Inge realized that the Queen noticed her wrists. So she decided not to lie further telling her the truth. She took a deep breath

"Votre Majestè..I didn't want to tell you what happened, just because I didn't want you to be concerned. And also..because I need to protect my son. Your brother Emperor Charles kidnapped me, Majestè. He ordered me to investigate about the ottoman slave. Otherwise..he would have harmed my son.."

She couldn't refrain tears at this point

"Leo is still in his hands. And I don't even know when I can see him again safe.."

I looked at Inge as she spoke.

"Inge, I am so sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I will not stand for this. I shall be having words with my brother as he has not right interfering in matters of France. I shall secure the release of your son Inge, please do not worry. When did this happen?

Inge was still crying. She dried her tears to reply gratefully

"Thank you, Votre Majestè. This happened three months ago. Since then I have no news of my son. I know I could have speak to you about this, but I didn't want to ruin your first days as Queen of France. I am so worried..please, forgive me.."

She said among tears

I went over to Inge and comforted her as she cried.

"You have had to endure this for three months Inge, this is not right and I do not know what my brother is playing at, but I will find out. It is okay Inge, I can understand how worried you must be and I am happy to inform you I had received word that your son is doing well. I managed to get one of my most trusted ladies into the Spanish Court and they did not fail me in gaining the eye of Charles and now to unburden himself with the constant watch of your son, he has entrusted her to look after him. I can ensure you that soon your son will be returned to France. We just have to wait for Charles to go on his progress in a couple of weeks.

Inge tried to calm down after Queen's words

"Thank you, Majestè. I'm so very grateful. Nothing is more important than my son to me. I just want him to be at my side.."

Inige nodded calming down slowly

"Thank you, Majestè. I don't know how to thank you. And yes..I promise I'll let you know everything. I beg you to forgive me.."

I looked at Inge then took her hands in mine.

"Inge, it is okay I forgive you and now I do understand why you did not tell me. I just don't want it to happen again okay?

Inge nodded

"Yes, Votre Majestè. I completely understand. This won't happen again. I totally trust in you.."

She said with a small smile

I smiled back at Inge, happy that she was going to tell me in future.

"Inge, I thought you would like to know your son has arrived in France with my lady too.

Inge smiled widely

"Oh! Is that the truth? Oh my Queen...I'm so grateful to you. Is he safe?"

She asked happily

I smiled back at Inge.

"That is indeed the truth. He arrived this morning with my lady and he is safe and well.

Inge smiled widely

"Oh thank God! Thank you, Majestè. Please, consider me your most loyal servant. You did so much for me.."

I smiled at Inge.

"Tomorrow, please come and begin as my chief lady in waiting, but today you may enjoy the rest of your day with your son. He is in the library with my lady. Even when you begin as my chief lady you will always be in the presence of your son too.

Inge smiled her back

"Oh tomorrow I'll be happy to be here to serve you, my Queen. May I reach my son in the library now? With your permission, I wish hugging him after so long time.."

She asked

I looked towards Inge.

"You may of course go to the library and see your son, Inge. Please arrive early in the morning in my chambers.

Inge nodded and stood up

"Thank you Majestè. Of course I'll be in your chambers very early to help you to dress up. Votre Majestè.."

She curtsied and ran away to rech the library to meet her son