Chambre de Marguerite de Valois

She smoothed out her gown.

"And I take it to mean that this soldier in question is in fact my son. Only in implication of course."

She stood up, wishing she could overturn the table and all its goodies upon it. She looked Marguerite straight in the eye. She was just another woman, born under a lucky star that she was a princess. Genevieve smirked and crossed her arms.

"I don't give a fig for what goes on in foreign, savage lands. If you indeed adore such practices then I suggest you join a harem. From what I hear of your bedroom adventures, you're nearly on your way."

She gave a cold smile, knowing it was like an icicle in Marguerite's heart.

"Alas, I've spoiled what could have been a good afternoon. I think I will take supper in my room, where at least I know the company will be polite."

With a swish of her skirts she left the room.

Very thoughtful, I was walking through the corridors of the palace.
I almost didn't realize that I stopped just in front of the door of my sister's chamber.
I turned in that direction and raised my hand to knock, but I wasn't that sure it would have been a good idea to bother her...
Anyway, I took a long breath and finally I knocked: "Marguerite? C'est Henri... Are you in?"

I smiled. She seemed surprised to see me and I had the confirm that she was happy to see me from her own words. That was strange: nobody ever cared that much of me... I'm just the second son...

"Ma chére, oui, je suis ici maintenant et... tu es la première personne que je vois. Merci..."

I entered in her room, feeling a little bit embarrassed. I've always been quite shy...

"Alors... How are you? What have I lost since I was away?"

I looked at her with my hands behind my back. I remained set on my place. I didn't know where I could go or watch. However, I was very much surprised by her words.

"Are you speaking the truth?" I've always thought my mother was a good Queen. Everybody spoke good of her and her way to reign "This is... unbelievable. What do you mean exactly?"

I came closer to her. She was so little I had to look down in order to watch at her in the eyes.
"Your words upsets me, Marguerite. You are a princess, you have royal blood in the veins. Do not let anybody treat you like a common woman because you're not, ma chére. Tell how can I help you and I will" I said smiling to her.

"Oh, bon... I went hunting with Francis for a couple of weeks... Lady Diane of Poitiers came with us. We decided to return earlier" I explained.

I nodded I was speaking the truth I had not seen my Grandmother at a public occassion in a very long time. Sadly it is true I have not seen her mingling with the courtiers like she used to. Ah yes back to the matter at hand I felt myself shrink smaller and smaller into myself. I respect commoners I am more friendly to them than I think any royal should be but their are some stiff upper lip ones teach me how to be assertive so they shall not treat me like mud.

"They must not. You should show them how a royal treats those who do not respect her. I don't want you to be mean, obviously: with violence you will only increase their hate. On the contrary, you should raise above them and if they treat you like mud, then you should treat them like... merde, shit." I smiled a little and looked down for a moment, embarrassed by my own words "We all have enemies, Marguerite. They will be always there to see us fall and the only way to fight them is being a step forward. Do you understand what I mean? You are not the only one in this position. I can assure you so."

I smiled widely to her: "Exactly".
I came closer and took her hands in mine to kiss them: "That is what I meant. Are you feeling a little better, ma chére?" I asked "Is there anything else I could do for you?"