Throne's Room

I had never been in a throne room before it all looked official and posh to have a formal chat. I curtsey quickly and step forwards towards the throne. "long time no see your majesty" I sat on one of the little steps before his feet.

Richard smiled at Sybille as she sat next to him. He ordered servants to leave them alone

My dear Sybille...we haven't talked since long time, indeed. I'm glad you're back to Palace. How are your sisters?

He asked with his usual friendly voice

"I came back to see my dear friend Inge and I need you're advice on some royal matters too! My family are well Anne is recovering and I was at princess Valeries ball with our soon to be sister in law Maria of Austria and you were not in sight nor did you offer me a dance." I got up and sat on his throne arm. "But I do need your advice or guidance it is a matter of importantancy"

Richard smiled a bit embarassed. He shook his head and laughed softly

Oh..I ask you to forgive me, dear. I didn't mean to be rude. But I had to leave the Hall for a while...and when I came back, some courtiers approached me and I had no time for you. But I promise that you'll have the first dance, next time..

He said smiling and sighed deeply

Yes...I noticed lady Maria at the party. She seems very close to you and lady Inge. Tell me: what can I do for you, my lady Sybille?

He asked gently

"You are certain their will be a next time? A very close friend of the cleves is withchild to a king that has passed away he still has a daughter that is alive and who I personally believe will use Inge and the child to gain access to the throne for her greater good. And I will give you something in return if that be the case although I thought you would like to help" I sighed and looked down at him.

Richard listened her with curiosity and interest. He understood she was talking about Princess Francesca, but he was still confused

Are you saying...that lady Inge is carrying King Fernand's bastard child? Oh...this change everything. Knowing how ambitious his daughter is, she will try to take advantage from this situation. I will help you and your friend, if I can.

He paused and looked intrigued at Sybille

And...what can you give me in return?

I placed myself in his lap putting my fingers to his lips. "you have a harsh tongue my king. Apparently they have made way of the throne for Inge child but a baby cannot rule a kingdom I think it is a trap I am just thinking of Inge safety." I wriggled my nose and thought for a second. "I am intrigued to know do you have anyone to carry on you're kingdom"

Richard looked at her with the same intruiged face as she sat on his lap. Someone to rule his Kingdom. He was thinking about that since ages

Hmm...so, lady Inge's child would be heir to a kingdom that isn't really his? I don't know what's happens in Tuscany. But I think it's better for his safety to remain in Bavaria, under my protection...

He let out a deep breath and shrugged

I have not an heir, as you know. My Eleanor never gave me a son, since we married. But...what's in your mind, Sybille?

He asked intrigued

"my king plays games alluring as that might be you need to secure your kingdom I may not be royalty but the cleves bloodline is just as strong. You need an heir I hope that someone who loves you will give you that heir" I got up and made my way to his chamber's.

Richard leaned his back against throne watching her leaving. He thought deeply about her words and rubbed thoughtfully his chin. An heir! What was in Sybille's mind?

The king send me a word to meet me immediately, after what happened I still was against the King, so I decided to meet him

I enter the Throne Room, headstrong, proud, you couldn't even see a a hint of a small smile

"Your majesty" I didn't bow, but I only looked him angry as if he was an enemy, even it was the most risky gesture to do to a King

Richard was sitting on his throne. Noticing that she even refused to bow, he took a deep breath

Valery...I don't know why you're angry. But whatever you think having seen in that room...you're wrong! Princess Isabella is my guest. And I'd like having some privacy when I'm alone with my guests!

He added rolling his eyes annoyed

"Well your majesty, I am deeply sorry for..." I looked down "... Having destroyed your  private meeting with your guest" I looked up.

"What about the Queen, does she know about your... guest?"

Richard rolled his eyes again

Eleanor knows that we have a guest at Palace. And in any case there is no need to bother her. You know how delicate her health is. There is...nothing between Isabella and me. If you believe it or not..

He said looking around

I make my way in the Throne's Room.
It isn't very crowded at that moment, probably because the most of the courtiers are still preparing for the evening.
As I enter, followed by my ladies, those who are there bow at me.
I wear one of my favourite dress, dark blue and gold, and my long blonde hair falls on my shoulders, combed with a little circlet of pearls.
As I reach the throne, I bow at my uncle, the king, and then I seat next to him with my back straight and a smile on my lips.

"Good evening, Uncle." I say kindly "I hope you spent a good day and that the State matters didn't bother you too much"

I look a moment to the crowd and force myself not to bite my lips.
I find the courage to speak, even if I know that he will not be happy to hear my story: "Today I went to the village near the forest and I found out that a fire destroyed five houses during the night. I gave the people some gold to repair the damage but I don't think they will be enough... I was wondering if you could do something for them. They are poor people, uncle... They need our help..."

Richard was sitting on his throne. He smiled as he saw his niece entering. But the news she brought to him deleted slowly his smile

Valerie..dear niece! You know you never bother me. I..I'm very sorry to hear about that. As always, you're very altruist, Valerie. I'll send them more money tomorrow. And I'll send them food and water as well. Is there something else I can do for you, my dear?

He asked, hoping to make her happy

My smile enlarged as I heard my uncle's words. I nodded.
"That was all I wished to" I replied bowing my head "Thank you."

Once again, I let my eyes look around the room: "I missed the court." I said "Mother greets you and aunt Eleaonor with her best wishes and, of course, she remarks her loyality to you."
That was true, obviously, though my mother has always been an ambitious woman.
I was really happy to be away from her: since my father died she started to press upon me about new and powerful alliances and I didn't wish to be part of her plans. Anyway, I was sure she wrote to my uncle quite often... I shaked my head: I didn't want to think about her.
"You're like a father to me, you know. Would you like to have a ride with me tomorrow?"

Richard smiled fatherly and nodded

And you're like a daughter to me, Valerie. Of course, I would be happy having a ride with you like old times. Are you still so good as I remember?

He asked smiling warmly

My smile enlarged and became brighter

"Of course!" I exclaimed. I've been always loved riding "We will leave the guards behind, for sure!" I laughed a bit and took his big hand to kiss it sweetly.

"No State matters, no troubles, neither ambassadors, courtiers or weddings... Just you and me. I feel very excited"

Richard nodded again, still keeping his smile

It sounds good. You know I love to forget being a King, sometimes. And I missed you very much. Your brother Philip is not at court, but I'm sure he misses you too..

He added

I sighed and looked down a moment.

"Yes... I'm very sorry he's not here. It's been a long time I don't have news from him and I neaither know where he is right now... England, Spain, France, Italy, Scotland, Portugal..." I sighed again and tried to smile "Who knows?"

Richard laughed and nodded

Your brother is a free spirit. Few time ago..he had an affair with the Duke of Suffolk's daughter in England. He even got her pregnant. Only God knows what he will do next..

He sighed rolling his eyes

I grinned: "Typical... I heard she's very beautiful. I don't even know how many nephews I have..." I said rolling my eyes.

"He should be here with his people and people should know him. This is his country and, God forbid, he might be king one day. It is time for him to assume his duties as prince and stop being such a... Womanizer..."

Richard frowned thoutfully and nodded after her words

I totally agree with you, dear niece. However, Philip is not the first in line of succession to the throne anymore. I just got a son. From...the Princess of Portugal, Isabella..

He finally said, waiting for her reaction