Bedchamber of Sybille Von Cleves

Inge came to Naples bringing little Leo with her. He could now walk, but travelling along all Italy had been tiring for them both. Sometimes they had a pause, sleeping in some taverns, and escorted by some guards. After a week she could finally see Naples, the city where Sybille now lived. She entered the Palace with Leo and her lugguages. A servant showed her where Sybille's chamber was. So she finally knocked, already smiling at her reaction

"Sybille..are you in? It's me, Inge.."

She waited for her reply, leaning softly her ear at the door

Sybille had been staying in her room most of the time confide in her chamber or taking short strolls at a time trying to deal with the change of heart. What Sybille loved the most about Italy was the fact that she need not wear her heavy dresses rather long flowing chemises of only soft pastel colors. Suddenly a knock on the chamber door startled her. Inge! Leo! She exclaimed, happy and surprised to see two of her favorite people here in Naples.

Inge walked in the room with an happy smile. She finally reached her dear friend

"Sybille! I was missing you so much. And I tought you would feel alone in a foreign country. So..here I am. I brought Leo with me.."

She hugged her and caressed her son's blonde hairs

Sybille set young Leo down on the ground, she was surprised to see how stunning Inge was looking these days. As a passing servant went by Sybille asked that they bring some refreshments. I am glad you came! You must come and see the views Naples is so beautiful Inge.

Inge walked into room with Leo and Hugged Sybille. She smiled happily

"I missed you so much, Sybille. As I heard you were in Naples, I thought to reach you. You know, I have already been in Italy in the past, so I can help you if you need something.."

She smiled while Leo started running around room laughing and holding a wooden toy in his hands

Leo has grown oh so much. You must be really proud of your son, Inge. When the refreshments came it was all set up on the terrace in my room a proper little tea party. I don't even know why I came here if I am honest. I shrugged my shoulders while a heavy sigh sat on my chest.

Inge smiled at her friend and she sat at her side

"Oh yes..I'm so proud of him, Sybille. He is the joy of my life.."

She giggled while watching him playing with his favourite toy, a wooden horse. So she looked at Sybille

"I..I just remember that you wanted to stay away from King Richard for a while. And I approve your decision, Sybille. A new Palace, a new city..will make you feel better. And I didn't want you to feel alone in a foreign reign. So I came.."

She added simply

With a friendly manner I place my hand on top of hers. How fortunate I am to have you. I told Inge truthfully. Thoughts of Bavaria felt now like a distant memory disappearing further and further from my mind. I wasn't sure if leaving was the best of ideas! It is hard desiring a man who is of keeps so to speak.

Inge smiled and took her hand among hers

"I think you deserve a man who really loves you. A free man..someone who is not married or tied to another woman. Possibly not a King. You are a very beautiful woman, every man would fall at you feet if only you wanted that.."

She added smiling swetly trying to give her some hope into a better future

"Inge, I don't think you understand. I .. I .. feel humiliated by the whole situation, Richard was my first and sometimes I do miss him not always though." Biting my lip I lowered my eyes in shame humiliation washing over me again. The idea of having men at my feet is flattering." My tone of voice cracked with the giggles I was trying to hide. I still blushed at the thought of men at my feet!

Inge smiled and she giggled a bit

"I can undesrtand how you feel, Sybille. I remind you that a King played with my heart too, once. But this is their nature. And life goes on. No one can humiliate you, even a King. You're a royal Duchess!"

She paused for a moment, before adding

"You know..sir Daniel, King's cousin..came to visit me here in Naples.."

She said almost whispering and blushing a bit

I didn't know much about the affair Inge had. Part of me was curious to find out whole story. How long were you with the king. Was he killed because of your affair.

Inge blushed again. But she smiled, wanting her friend to know the whole story

"Sir Daniel Meyer started to court me when we were still in Bavaria, Sybille. He seemed to be interested in me, in spite of I am a single lady with a bastard son. Few days after I came here, he reached me. But..nothing happened between us. Just...sweet words, loving glances, a kiss upon my hand. Nothing more.."

She explained blushing one more time. She wondered what Sybille was thinking about this

It was apparent Inge had misunderstood my question. No, Inge. I was speaking of Leos' father. I have yet to hear about the relationship with the king. Some bits I know, others I do not understand. Like why didn't his council stop you from leaving. Even if Leo was a bastard son royal blood still lived in him.

Inge looked astonished at Sybille, so she shook her head with an embarassed smile

"Oh..I misunderstood, Sybille. Forgive me. About Leo's father..there is not so much to say about him. King Fernando Benedetti had many mistresses. I was serving in his court in Tuscany that time. But I never had a relationship with him. It has been..just one night. He asked for me..I was very young and I couldn't refuse. When I found out to be pregnant, I didn't know what to do.."

She explained, remembering that time. It looked like all this happened so long time ago

Did the king ever know that you were pregnant. I thought back to my time with Richard grateful to not be with child but a more looming thought occurred. How come I never fell pregnant... Was I barren. Or perhaps my diet intervened and perhaps I was to cut out certain foods. I couldn't process how lonely and isolated Inge assumed felt upon discovering she was with child.

She nodded

Yes..he knew it. But his daughter, Francesca Benedetti, sent me way from court. After few time I learned that he died..Have you ever thought about having children, Sybille?

She asked suddenly after repliyng Sybille's question. She whished to change topic

I wanted to laugh at her question, but instead I just cried until my vision was blurred by my tears. I feel so alone in this world sometimes only my books keep me happy I dabbed my eyes with a handkerchief I had embodied with yellow daffodils and snowdrops.

Inge took her hands and smiled warmly

"Oh Sybille..don't talk in this way. You are young, beautiful and noble. I am sure that true love will find you soon. Don't read too much. Go outside and meet gentlemen of your rank. Many of them would do anything for you.."

She squeezed softly her hands