Pièce de réception du roi

I take Françoise hand and kiss it softly. ""It sounds most delightful ma chère nièce...Très bien, jusqu'à ce soir."

I watch as Françoise heads toward the door. Her forme magnifique and sensual sway of her hips as she walks, has me completely under her spell... I brush off my doublet and smooth my tousled hair, attempting to regain my composure. In vain do I muster all of my will to wipe the image from my head of Françoise reclining upon her bed, nude beneath her dark fur coat and enticing me to join her with suggestive words and looks... I take a deep breath and try to look occupied as the door swings open and ma secrétaire enters along with les deux avocats.

On this bright and beautiful day I have summoned La Comtesse de Bretagne in order that I may present her with the news of the claims to the estate of her late husband. I have prepared un petit banquet of fromage et du pain français. As I sit upon my throne, preferring it to my desk for affaires de l'État, I have ma secrétaire show La Comtesse in and announce her. I sit up straight as Justyne enters and beckon her with a gesture to approach.

"Ma chère Comtesse venir ici s'il vous plaît" I say and watch La comtesse approach. She looks radiant, her golden hair, up and under a bejeweled diamond tiara frames her comely face, as do her matching necklace and earrings. Her generous bosom is accentuated by her bright blue gown.

"As a matter of fact mon cher Comtesse, I do have excellent news... first the news, then we eat oui?... my lawyers have not only examined these documents" I say, placing my hand on the leather folder. "But they have also made private inquiries as well... I am most pleased to inform you Comtesse that your claim as been upheld as legitimate" I say, slapping my hand down upon the folder. "That makes you the wealthiest and most influential woman in Bretagne... Félicitations ma chère Comtesse!... and now we celebrate!"

I watch La Comtesse's expressions of joy and extend my hand to the banquet table. "This is the part of being my nation's sovereign that I enjoy most of all... pleasing my subjects." I stand and walk with La Comtesse Justyne. "So tell me, are you planning on returning to Bretagne immediately, or do you wish to stay and enjoy my hospitality a little while longer?"

I fill La Comtesse Desrosiers cup, and mine in turn, with a hearty Claret. Piling my plate with delightful pungent cheese, a brick of warm bread and a large bunch of shiny black grapes. I hold out my hand, offering La Comtesse to partake of this delicious repast. "Go on, indulge yourself mon cher Comtesse... when you return to your château with your claim in hand, a meal such as this shall be as a mere appetizer, oui?"

I listen to Justyne request our presence that she may show Claude and I the full measure of her gratitude. "Très bien... I shall have ma secrétaire check our schedule and I promise you, we shall be delighted to make the journey to Bretagne... come to think of it, I have not seen it's splendor since it has joined the crown earlier this year... yes, we shall come...come to see our new French territory... and of course you, mon cher Comtesse." I lift my cup as she does hers and we drink. Our eyes meeting as we do.

Francis was staring out the window much was plagued on his mind. A lot was happening some of which remained a secret until it was the proper time to announce it. He sighed when Christophe arrived and forced a smile. Thank you for coming how does your wife fare. Francis gestured him to sit, leaning his elbow on the table he folded his hands together.

*looks at the king* your majesty its good to be here monsieur *smiles at the king*

Walking infront of the two announcers, Agnes smiled at them and they announced her into the Reception room "The Duchess of Ashford." Walking in, she curtsied lowly to the King infront of her. She was wearing an apricot coloured dress, with a pink underskirt. Her dark hair fell around her shoulders and it complimented her olive toned skin. Looking up, she stood up "Your Majesty, it is an honour to meet such a graceful and divine King such as yourself."

Francis had a stack of letters and missives, he was trying to get done. Sheer delight! A distraction had now entered his room and a beautiful one of that! Perhaps she was staying behind from Henry Tudor's visit. Francis bid her to come forward.

Lady Ashford welcome to France... How might I be of service to you.

"Thankyou for such a..warm welcome, mon roi." she said with a smile upon her face and she looked thoughtful before smiling "Your Grace, I must admit I am indeed shy to be introduced to you, as you are most grand and I do believe I am not worthy enough to even be in your presence." she admitted, a slight blush going on her olive toned skin and her dark eyes looked down "But I believe that I had to see for my own eyes the tales of how handsome the King French was, and I must say the words do you no justice."

Francis looked up at Lady Ashford taken a back by her boldness, crossing his legs casually over the other while relaxing his arms. For a moment longer Francis studied her.

You should know that I have a weakness for English ladies...

Arching a dark brow, he then cast a look at a painting of his wife, then gulped. It was true. Francis had always jeopardized his marriage for the passion of other women.

Please.. take a seat have some wine with me.

I wait for admittance to see my father as he requested.

"Henri prince of Valois was announced and i enter.
"Father you wished to see me?.
I turn and see Agnes.
"Hello my dear i see you have met my father

Laughing softly, Agnes shook her head "Do not consider me a weakness, your grace. I believe I am not deserving of such." she said to him "I am simply a loyal subject, ready to serve and obey." she smiled at him and his offer was inviting, nodding her head she slowly walked over and took a seat infront of him "Your court, it is known for its.. passion, it is like a beautiful piece of art." she admitted with a smile "As much as I would like to say that the English court comes above it, I cannot do it." she watched as the servant served them wine and she nodded her head at Francis "Merci, mon roi. You are very kind, especially to us English ladies." Looking at the Prince as he walked in, she stood up and curtsied "I had the honour of meeting your son earlier." she admitted and she smiled "He is most polite and kind indeed."

Oh I can assure you, the pleasure follows your honor...

He sharpened his gaze on Agnes as the goblet touched his lips swallowing deeply. Her skin looked delicate, those brown eye's wide as the sky deep as the ocean.

Now I am a king that behaves so I am sorry if I disappoint you... But am glad a woman as beautiful like you took time to see me..

Watching as the Prince left, she looked at Francis and she sat down again and she shook her head "It does not disappoint me, your grace." she said with a small smile and she took another sip from the goblet "I am a pure woman, without the touch of any man." she admitted to him and she blushed again "I simply wished to meet the King that everyone holds to their praises."

His eye's met hers. Francis looked at her like a hungry wolf, it was a look that would scare anyone, such was his desire.

The men in England must be mad do you have a suitor...

Looking into his eyes, she shook her head "No, your grace." she admitted to him and she gulped "I have kept myself away from the glaring eyes of men and studied, learnt languages and educated myself." she admitted to him and she tilted her head to the side, her dark hair falling over her shoulder "Many men have tried to swoon me, even King Henry himself, but I have yet to give in."