Elizabeth Poésy's Bedchambers

Elizabeth was in her bedchamber sitting by the window looking at the view.

The past few days had been exhausting; the choppy journey to England allowed for no rest and since arrival, Louis had been occupied with French matters of state. Finally, he could rest-in his own room. He had slept the past couple of night, in shadowy corners of the palace; buried in parchment and documents for his trip, finally falling asleep for only a few hours before working again.

He had been given the key to his room by one of The King's servants but upon trying the door, he found it opened. He walked in, rubbing his tired eyes.

Elizabeth quickly looked over. "May I help you?"She asked the man who just enter her bedchambers.

Louis paused and adjusted his heavy fur lined cloak, his golden chain gifted to him by the king rattled, "Are you...my maid?"

Anglais façons étranges, he thought,no French woman would wait upon a man for fear of her reputation.

"I think you have the wrong room your grace this my bedchambers."

She said quickly standing up.

Louis smiled despite his weariness. Bleary eyed-he glanced to the comfortable bed before presenting the brass key, "Mademoiselle, I have the key."

"Did you even put in the key whole or was the door already unlocked?"

She asked crossing her arms.

"Naturally the door was open," he replied, "For look, here you sit...in my room. Surely it is the servants who have neglected to lock the door, after tending that burning fire.."

"Why don't you try the lock first. Plus I am the Duchess of Galliera."

She said to him.

He scoffed and tugged the door, before confidently inserting the key into the lock. He attempted to turn the lock but it resisted before completing a full revolution.

He glanced down and tried it again, "The lock must be rusted," he mumbled rather embarrassed-trying the key harder each time.

Pulls out her key. And moved him to the side and used the key to unlock  the door.

Louis glanced down, staring at his leather boots. Merde.

"Damn...Je suis...I am terribly sorry mademoiselle. I was assured my room was just at the end of the right wing, first floor."

He glanced up sheepishly, "Please accept my one thousand apologies; I shall leave you be."

"Mais vous pouvez vouloir essayer la pièce suivante ils disent qu'il est pour l'Ambassadeur français. Ne soyez pas cela est bien."

She said softly with a smile.

He poked his head out the door and saw to his deepest embarrassment another door. He looked back in and smiled, "Ah...then that is for me. I am Louis Castillon, French Ambassador...and also a deeply embarrassed French man. I can assure you, mademoiselle; for the duration of my visit, you shall not have to endure such an intrusion again."

"My father told me many things about you. And you have nothing to worry about. Please join me for some wine before you head to your bedchambers?"

She asked softly.

He rubbed his eyes again, not wanting to be rude.

"A gracious offer...merci, mademoiselle," he said and unbuckled his heavy sword belt from his hip, leaving it by the door. A chivalrous and habitual display of trust.

"You say your father knows me; is he from my home...that is France?"

"He is Monsieur Poésy the Duke of Galliera. I am the Duchess of Galliera in France."

She said sitting down at the table pouring two glasses of french wine.

He smiled and bowed, "I should have known-no such beauty could be from anywhere other than France. His Grace is a most noble man. However forgive me, mademoiselle; your accent seems rather English-have you spent much time in England?"

"I spent much time with queen Anne as a child."

She said softly.

"A most sacred lady," he said reverently before sitting down.

"So may I ask-pourquoi êtes-vous vivre en Angleterre? France est la plus belle des terres - même comparé à l'Angleterre..."

"Je l'ai rencontrée quand elle est venue à la cour de justice française. Je suis juste arrivé en Angleterre aujourd'hui."

She said with a smile.

He smiled and took a drink of the wine. French wine, le meilleur, "Mon dieu - ce une coïncidence! Je suis arrivé il ya deux jours...allez-vous rester pour Noël?"

"Je reste pour Noël."

She said with a small smile.

He stiffled a yawn and put the goblet down. He shifted in the chair to face the fire, "Ne vous en semble...lorsque vous êtes loin de la maison; il semble plus belle que quand vous êtes là? Angleterre est si froid!"