Inge Bergman's Bedroom

Inge smiled, looking at herself in the mirror. Maria surely was very good at hair style

"Really? I love french fashion too. And I have to admit you are very talented, Maria. Usually I leave my hairs free after washing them. They are very simple. But now you're making a miracle with them.."

She looked admired at her new hair style in the mirror

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I continued to plait all the way around her head. My mind was still on the shocking abruptness of Anne declaring she was next to marry Henry Tudor pondering who planted that seed. It helps to relax Sybille has such curly straight hair I think it's part of her. I waved my hands trying to figure out the right words. Well hopefully you know what I mean.

Inge was still looking at the mirror while Maria was fixing her hairs

"Oh yes..Sybille has beautiful hairs too, I know. I brush them every evening. And I have to say..Amelia and Anne have beautiful hairs as well. I served both.."

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Really! I did not know that you served them as well was this before Sybille. I carried on plaiting her hair it was lovely to find out more about Inge.

Inge smiled admiring Maria taking care of her hair

"Oh yes. I served all Cleves's sisters. Anne, Amelia..and now Sybille. They are lovely and they always treated me like a sister. I feel lucky living in this court, Maria.."

She answered, looking at Maria through the mirror

A cheeky smile appeared as I tucked the last remains of strands underneath. It would be wrong of me to ask who is best mistress. I always thought of Amelia as a free spirit without anyone to serve her.

Inge giggled

"Oh all of them are good mistresses, Maria. Just..they are different from each other. Anne is the younger, and she lives in fairytales. So sweet and innocent. Amelia is a strong woman, who knows what she wants and how to get it. And Sybille..she is my best friend. So carying and adorable. I would do everything for her. And I am sure she feels the same for me.."

She smiled, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Maria made an excellent job with her hairs. Then she added after a short pause

"I don't know if you already heard about that, Maria. But I'm going to spend some day at Linderhof Palace. I shall meet Francesca Benedetti there. She..she came to Bavaria to meet her little brother Leo, my son.."

She looked at her to see her reaction

I smiled happy to assist Inge in her formal dinner tonight. I had already guessed that Anne lived in fairy tales when she said she had to marry a king. "Anne just has a very imaginative mind. It would be nice if maybe she would come out of her shell a little. I always thought that Sybille was the youngest." Linderhof Palace I had never been their yet. I didn't know who she was on about and it was none of my business who Inge had company with. "This is a good thing though. A clean slate for you both as long as you put your happiness first."

Inge looked herself at mirror when Maria finished with her hairs and she smiled

"Oh Maria..you have golden hands. Thank you so much. And thank you for your kind words. Yes..maybe it's time ti think about my happiness. And I wish the same for you, Maria.."

She said turning her heard. She stood up and she kissed softly her cheek

"Oh if I was unhappy everybody would know about it. Now what have I missed out on at court." I sat back marveling in my hair design I liked to help people out. Mainly people who were only grateful of my help like Inge.

Inge took a breath sitting back again. She invited Maria to sit next to her

"Recently I had to help lady Aurora, Maria. She had symptoms of poisoning. I gave her an antidote that I used at my village. And she is better, now.."

She said waiting for her reaction. She knew that all that sounded weird. But if there was a poisoner at Palace, she had to warn as much people as possible about that

I sat down relaxing into my seat knowing I was in good company. I tried to think who Aurora was but couldn't place her. "Who's Aurora? Have I met her Inge. " I was shocked to hear that their was a posioner in palace. It chilled my blood an actually gave me goosebumps. "Why! How would want to poison her has she been the only one poisoned? If the answer is yes then could it be a personal attack against her. Is she horrible? Posh and Snotty? I couldn't help with the questions I wanted to know all about this lady. "Does the king know maybe Sybille could tell him...

Inge took a deep breath before answering

"Lady Aurora Mendoza is Queen's Eleanor sister. She lives here..and Ambassador Mendoza is her cousin. She was poisoned by someone in court but she is much better, now. But I don't know who the poisoner is..and if the King knows about this matter.."

She explained calmly looking at her

I was surprised to hear such a thing happen. "Was it meant for the king but ladyship Aurora got their first... The details seem a bit hazy to me someone must tell him though."

Inge shrugged

"Perhaps you're right, Maria. But now Aurora is much better, so I guess she'll talk with the King by herself. They seem very close. And surely he will get furious knowing that someone tried to poison his sister in law.."

She answered still not believing that such thing could happen in the Palace

Such a morbid topic and it was only 4 weeks away from the festive season. "A just punishment shall be suited for the coward Inge. Would you like some wine I could use it." I looked glum in my chair what if someone tried to do this to Inge. She was the great healer of the palace.

Inge smiled friendly

"Thank you, Maria. Not only for this beautiful hair syle, but for your patience and your friendship. My son and I found a true family here at Palace.."

She said with sincere words

I liked Inge a lot I always found myself emotional when she spoke. If only all ladies of her rank were as nice as her I said to myself. "I like to prove that I am useful instead of sitting round looking pretty. Waiting constantly waiting for William to come back to court." I sighed with irritation as I thought off how lonely this place could be. "Is it selfish to always want you to stay in Bavaria."

Inge smiled shooking her head

"Oh but I have no intention to leave. This is my home. I have you, Sybille..and maybe also sir Daniel. And I am sure that Lord William will be back to court soon, and you'll be so very happy with him. You are different from others noblewomen, Maria. And your future husband will see how special you are.."

She said hoping to comforting her. It was evident that she felt lonely for her fiancè's absence

"Am glad of that Inge." I sat fidgeting with my fingers. "Inge, I have decided to take a visit to my parents. I haven't seen them since I was a little girl as I was raised in the Austrian court to be prepared for my marriage. I miss my mother and it shall only be brief visit. I just wish to not leave you alone."

Inge was surprise hearing that, but she smiled at the news

"Oh..you don't have to worry about me, Maria. I'll be not alone. I have Sybille, lady Aurora, Ambassador Mendoza and..sir Daniel. Go to your parents and enjoy your time with them. I wish I could do the same. As you know, I have no parents. But I have found a family here. So..go and don't worry. Family comes first.."

She said smiling with sincere affection towards her

I gave Inge a tight hug. I felt like I had made a true friend here in Bavaria. "I'll write to you about all the latest gossip Inge." I exited the room very slowly I wanted to take her with me, if Sybille allowed it. Maybe next time though I could and it would be a nice break for her. I shut the door silently setting off in the direction of my room to pack.

Inge hugged her back smiling silently. After she left, she sighed deeply and admired herself at mirror again. Maria was not only a good hairstylist, but also a true and dear friend

Inge was reading a book about herbs sitting on her bed. It was her mother's book. As she heard knocking, she looked at the door

"Come in, it's opened.."