Thérèse and the others had been seated at the long oak table for almost half an hour, waiting for King Charles and his family. Everyone was annoyed by their visitors' lack of punctuality. There were three tables set up to make a sort of rectangular formation. There was a shorter table at the front of the room, with two longer tables perpendicular to it, leaving an open space in the middle for the servants to move about. At the short table sat the Queen, with Claude on her right and Brigitte's father, the general advisor, to her left. Thérèse sat at the beginning of the long table on the left, closest to Claude. Brigitte was across from her at the other table, sitting nearest her father. Bernard sat next to her. His angry expression had softened a bit.
Next to Thérèse would be Prince Henri, with King Charles next to him. Queen Lucie was to sit next to Bernard. The rest of the advisors had chosen their own places along the long tables.. Candles were sprinkled about the gold tablecloths that hung almost to the ground. Pine branches and berries were crafted into centerpieces. The fireplace behind the Queen roared with warmth, and musicians played softly in the corner. Their iridescent notes echoed in the cavernous dining room. Night had brought the stars out. Thérèse could see them twinkling through the windows. She impatiently pulled at a loose thread she'd found on her purple gown. Every time she looked at her empty white plate and unfilled glass her hunger grew.
Finally, a servant announced the family's arrival and the visitors took their places. Queen Lucie took her seat next to Bernard, clearly annoyed that she was not next to her husband. Prince Henri paused for a moment when he entered the room, looking for Thérèse. When he spotted her he smiled. King Charles followed his son to their seats. All three of them were dressed in black evening attire. Prince Henri's shirt was loose in the sleeves, and showed a bit of his chest with its V-shaped cut. His black pants were wrinkless, and his leather boots looked freshly polished. King Charles wore a simple black jacket with a white undershirt and black trousers. Queen Lucie's dress was studded with small white jewels. Her hair was done up elaborately, and was likely the reason they had been so late to dinner. As soon as the family was seated, servants came into the room and filled all of their glasses with rich red wine. Once all the glasses were full, the Queen stood. The excited chatter stopped and the room went silent.
"Welcome, everyone. It is a great blessing tonight to have our lovely visitors from Bayonne with us for a short period. King Charles, Queen Lucie, Prince Henri." She lifted her glass to each of them as she said their names. "Argence wishes you happiness, prosperity, and fulfillment." She raised her glass again, to say, "May both our kingdoms live long and live well." Everyone raised their glasses and took a long drink. The red wine flowed through Thérèse's dry mouth. The servants reappeared to refill glasses and serve the first course; vegetables, fruits, bread and jam, and other small appetizers.
Thérèse filled her plate and began to eat. She didn't care if she looked unladylike to Prince Henri. His family had kept them waiting long enough, and she was hungry. Prince Henri also began to eat. His father struck up a conversation with Blaise, the wartime advisor who was seated next to him. Thérèse looked across the room and saw Bernarnd and Queen Lucie deep in conversation. She laughed loudly at something and touched his arm playfully. She glanced at King Charles as she did so.
Poor thing, does your husband not give you enough attention? Maybe if you weren't so full of yourself he'd be more inclined. Thérèse thought as she popped a strawberry in her mouth.
Brigitte was laughing and smiling with her father. Claude and the Queen were speaking in hushed tones. Claude seemed serious, and the Queen seemed annoyed, only half-listening. Thérèse could tell she wanted to join the conversation with Brigitte and her father instead of dealing with Claude. All the others were talking loudly, telling jokes and swapping stories. Thérèse didn't say a word to Henri. She was slightly put off by his comment about dead things not bothering him. What did he mean by that? She put the thought aside and dove into a helping of steamed vegetables.
After half an hour, the servants whisked away the dishes from the first course. Glasses were again refilled. The main course of chicken, pork, turkey, potatoes with gravy, stuffing, and more vegetables was served. Thérèse again filled her plate and started to eat. After taking a few bites of his meal Prince Henri finally spoke to her.
"How are you enjoying your dinner, Thérèse?" he asked. Thérèse nodded while she finished chewing.
"It's very good. Our kitchen staff are quite gifted."
"I agree, truly delicious."
They sat in silence again for a few minutes. Thérèse finally broke when she couldn't stand it any longer.
"So, Prince Henri, how do you spend your time in Bayonne?" She asked.
"Well, as I said before, we're bordered by the sea. I spent a lot of time in the sand down by the water. I love the smell of the sea. Watching the wave crash against the rocks, witnessing the power of the ocean. There's nothing quite like it. The sunsets are breathtaking. You'll have to come watch one from the beach sometime. There's also some splendid scenery there. I'm keeping up with my studies, too, mainly the natural sciences and arithmetic right now. I'm practicing piano and violin as well. I was against it at first, but my mother insisted. You know how persistent mothers can be." Henri said. Thérèse smiled.
"Yes, I definitely understand the frustrations that can come with mothers sometimes. They mean well, though." she answered. Henri continued.
"Yes, of course they do. I spend a lot of time reading and writing, too. I am partial to adventure stories at the moment. Picturing far-off lands with monsters and heroes. It's intriguing." He stabbed his knife into his turkey and took a few more bites. Thérèse finished her wine and signalled for a servant to refill it. Henri watched the young servant boy closely. The servant filled Thérèse's glass and scurried off.
"What about you? Your kingdom is large, there must be endless entertainment, especially for a curious young woman like yourself." Henri said. Thérèse nodded as she swallowed more wine.
"Yes, our arts are flourishing here in Argence. But I prefer nature and the forest. As I said in the library, I've had many great adventures there." Henri laughed softly and Thérèse blushed. She continued, "I also have a few friends I like to pass the time with. I've grown close withone of the gatekeepers, Olivier. You might have seen him when you arrived. Brigitte and her brother, Bernard, are two of my best friends. They're sitting across from us there, at the other table. Your mother seems particularly interested in Bernard." Thérèse laughed as she pointed across the table. Queen Lucie was all but laying in Bernard's lap, and he was starting to look uncomfortable. Lucie gestured for her glass to be refilled, but the servant master had already given the order not to serve her anymore. She quickly forgot her drink and turned her attention back to Bernard. Thérèse glanced at King Charles and saw that he was going red in the face. Henri sighed.
"Yes, that is embarrassing. She's not my mother though, she's my father's second wife. My mother is no longer with us, God rest her soul."
"Oh, I'm so sorry Henri. I didn't mean to-" Thérèse was cut off by a tapping on her shoulder. She turned away from Henri to see Claude standing on her other side. He didn't have his cane, so he was leaning with one hand on the table for support. Thérèse swallowed hard.
"Good evening, your grace." Claude picked up Thérèse's hand and kissed it. She quickly pulled it back away from him and wiped it on her dress. Henri noticed this, and Thérèse saw him raise his eyebrows.
"Hello, Claude." she said.
"How are you enjoying your dinner tonight?" he asked. His presence reminded Thérèse of a snake sneaking up on a small garden mouse.
"It's just fine." She took another drink of her wine. Claude pulled the glass from her lips and out of her hand, placing it back on the table and out of her reach.
"Yes, I can see you're partaking in the wonderful wine we have here." He fingered her glass, leaving behind greasy fingerprints. "I wanted to know if you had anyone to escort you to our celebration ball tomorrow night? I've had a new suit made specially for the occasion, and would love it if you accompanied me." He smiled, flashing his yellow, rotting teeth.
"No." Thérèse said curtly. She turned away from him, facing forward.
"I would encourage you to reconsider." Claude said. He leaned in close and cupped Thérèse's chin in his hand. She felt his beady eyes darting over her face. Suddenly, Thérèse felt something ruffle against the back of her dress. Henri had slid his arm across the back of her chair in an attempt to create some space between her and Claude. Claude looked at him and narrowed his eyes. He let go of Thérèse and stood up straight.
"Of course, how could I be so rude. Please, introduce me to your friend." Claude said.
Thérèse opened her mouth, but Prince Henri spoke before she could get a word out.
"Prince Henri, of the Kingdom of Bayonne." Henri said. As he rose he pushed his shoulders back and thrust his chin forward. Standing up, he was almost six inches taller than Claude. It made the man look old and shriveled. Claude smirked and gave a deep bow, spreading out his arms as he did. He looked up at Prince Henri.
"Sir Claude of Argence, advisor to her Majesty, the Queen. At your service."
Henri gave a brief nod, allowing Claude to stand again. Claude turned back to Thérèse. She was still sitting down. She now felt even smaller with the two men towering over her.
"Now, Thérèse, I would very much like a word in private with you." Claude put his hand on her shoulder.
Thérèse pulled her napkin off her lap and threw it on to the table. She stood up and looked Claude in the eyes.
"I don't think I'll stay for dessert. It's usually quite sweet, but something gives me the idea it'll be sour this evening."
"Why, you little-" Claude lifted a snarled hand to slap Thérèse across the face. She took a step back and closed her eyes. Strangely, the pain never came. Thérèse opened her eyes to see Henri standing between them. He'd caught Claude's papery wrist in the strong grip of his right hand. His left arm was behind him, to protect Thérèse from any further attack.
"You'll keep your hands off of her, you wicked man. Or else I'll be putting mine on you." Henri's voice was cold and threatening. Claude huffed and pulled his hand away. Thérèse realized the room had gone silent. Everyone was watching them. The Queen stood.
"Now, gentlemen, what seems to be the trouble here?" She asked, as if she didn't already know. Claude jumped at the opportunity to spin the situation to his advantage.
"A disagreement over the hand of your beautiful Thérèse, your Majesty. I was hoping she would accompany us to our event tomorrow night, but the conversation took an unfortunate turn."
The Queen nodded apprehensively.
"Well, I think that would be a wonderful idea. A great match. Don't you agree, Thérèse?"
Thérèse bit her bottom lip. Anger welled up inside of her. She wanted to scream at her mother. Ask her why she was being subjected to this. Why Claude? Didn't she see how nasty, evil, wicked he was?
"Yes, Mother." She forced a shaky smile. Thérèse sat back down and Henri did the same. Claude hobbled back to his seat and retook his position by the Queen. Suddenly Queen Lucie was on her feet. She stumbled, and Bernard put his arm out to steady her. She tried to take a drink out of her empty glass. Upon realizing its lack of wine, she threw it against the wall. A servant ducked, and it shattered on the wall behind him. Two of the ladies-in-waiting the visiting family had brought with them crossed the room. They were about to escort the queen out when she spoke.
"Well, don't keep us waiting!" She said with a heavy tongue. "What's this big event?" She stumbled forward and caught herself on Bernard's shoulder. She leaned against him. He blushed profusely and looked at his sister. Brigitte slightly held her hands up and gave him a you're-on-your-own look. A blob of curls came loose from Lucie's hairstyle and tumbled down her shoulders. It landed in Bernard's gravy, but she didn't seem to notice.
"Of course, of course. I wanted to wait until after dessert to make this announcement, but I see word has already spread. In honor of our visitors, we'll be holding a grand ball tomorrow night!" Thérèse's mother declared. Excited gasps passed through the room, and everyone at dinner started to clap. Queen Lucie pushed away from Bernard to clap her hands clumsily. She lost her balance and fell into the arms of her ladies-in-waiting, who half walked, half carried her from the dining hall. King Charles shook his head and looked down at the floor. He stood and followed his wife and her servants out. Thérèse waited for Henri to follow his father, but he stayed in his seat. The Queen held her hands up to silence the room.
"I hope you'll all have enough time to prepare. But before that, dessert!" The servants appeared with dishes piled high with pink-frosted chocolate cake and strawberries on the side. Claude took a bite with his fork and made eye contact with Thérèse. She watched as he slowly pulled the fork out of his mouth, savoring every bit of the frosting. He winked at her and smiled his gnarly grin. Thérèse rose promptly from her seat. Henri looked up at her, but she didn't notice. Thérèse approached Claude and leaned over him. He smiled lustfully, thinking this disgusting attempt at flirting had finally gotten her to surrender to him. He was wrong.
Thérèse stabbed her fork through his hand so forcefully it pinned it to the table. She heard Brigitte gasp. Claude began to groan as he tried to free his hand. Thérèse pushed the end of the fork even deeper. She heard it scraping against the wood of the table.
"Enough." her mother said quietly. Thérèse snapped her head up and met her mother's eyes. She looked around the room. Thankfully, everyone was absorbed in their own excited conversations about the ball that they hadn't noticed. Only Brigitte, Henri, and her mother bore witness to her assault on Claude.
Thérèse looked back into her mother's eyes. She pulled the fork out and let it clatter to the floor. Lifting her skirt, she walked slowly out of the hall. As she reached the door, she turned back. Claude, her mother, and Brigitte were watching her. She locked eyes with Henri. He smirked at her and turned down the corners of his mouth as if to say, "Not bad".
As Thérèse left she felt a smile growing on her cheeks. By the time she had reached her room she was beaming.
—
Thérèse woke up late the next morning. A forceful knocking on her door pulled her out of bed. She shuffled across the cold floor and heaved open the door. It was Bernard. Thérèse yawned.
"You know, we really have to stop spending time in private rooms together. People are going to start suspecting things." Thérèse blinked the sleep out of her eyes. Bernard pushed past her and sat in one of her chairs.
"Please, come in." she said sarcastically as she closed the door.
"Thérèse, I know you won't believe me, but I have something important to tell you. I'm confiding in you, and I need it to stay between us."
Thérèse sat lazily in the chair opposite him. Her hair was a mess and she was still in her nightgown.
It's too early for this. She thought. Bernard had always been a bit dramatic. Thérèse wondered what he had to tell her this time. She nodded.
"Go ahead." she said.
Bernard sighed. His bearded face broke into a smile, the likes of which Thérèse had never seen on his face.
"I'm in love!" Bernard spread his arms and sprang to his feet.
"Queen Lucie, she's just…perfect." he said breathlessly. Thérèse opened her eyes wide and shook her head.
"Bernard she's…she's married. Are you crazy? She's the queen of another kingdom!" Thérèse shouted.
"Keep your voice down! You know how the guards talk. Anyway, so what if she's married? It's not unlike a lady of her status to take a lover." Bernard winked and ran his hands through his hair. Thérèse rolled her eyes. She grabbed his arm and jerked him up out of the chair.
"Bernard, I don't have time for this right now." Thérèse started to walk him to the door. "I know the heart works in mysterious ways, and that I'll almost always support you. But for this one…" Thérèse pushed him out into the hallway. He stood waiting for her to finish what she was saying.
"Keep me out of it." Thérèse slammed the door. She heard Bernard scoff and listened to his steps fade. Thérèse walked back over to her bed and laid down.
Just a few more minutes. She thought. She was interrupted by another knock on her door. Thérèse groaned. She walked over to the door.
"Bernard, I told you. Leave me out of it!" She pulled the door open. "Oh. Sorry."
Olivier stood in the doorway.
"So sorry to bother you." he said. "But the Queen sent me to come get you. She says you're due for your final fitting for your dress for tonight."
"I completely forgot. Thank you." she said. "Do you want to come in while I get ready?"
She stood aside, and Olivier went to sit on the windowsill.
"So, I heard some talk from the servants last night." Olivier said. He barced his hands against the windowsill and jumped so that he was sitting on it. His gangly legs dangled.
"Like what?"
Olivier smiled. "I heard Queen Lucie had a quite pleasant time with our Bernard. I also heard that you and Claude had a raucous moment."
Thérèse laughed. "Yes, Queen Lucie was quite the character. I found her very dry and cold when she first arrived, but after a few rounds of wine, it turns out she's more than friendly. Especially with Bernard. He says he's in love with her, you know."
Olivier laughed so hard he nearly tumbled out of the window. "Has the arrow of love struck our fearless warrior at last?"
"He thinks she'll take him as her lover! Him!" They both laughed together. Thérèse stepped behind a screen and changed out of her nightgown.
"As for Claude," she started, "he was how he always is. My mother says I'm to accompany him to the ball tonight, so I guess this evening will be even worse than I first imagined." She put on a pair of sheer white stockings and dug through her closet to find her shoes.
"I'm sure it will be okay." Olivier said. "I know it's not much of a comfort, but it is only one evening. Maybe after this he'll move on. I've heard some of Queen Lucie's servants are quite beautiful. Hopefully that bloodsucker will latch on to one of them instead."
"One can hope." Thérèse said. "I've got to get going. I'm already late for the dressmaker's."
"Of course, m'lady." Olivier jumped down from the windowsill and bowed. He followed Thérèse out of the room and shut the door behind them.
A short walk through the castle brought Thérèse to the dressmaker's workshop. Forty-five minutes of poking and prodding ensued. She listened mindlessly to the old woman's chatter. Thérèse's mind was elsewhere. She didn't think she would be excited for the evening's events, but oddly enough she was. The thought of spending the evening with Claude made her stomach drop. She caught herself thinking of Prince Henri, and hoped he would be there.
He'd have to be. She thought. He couldn't decline the Queen's invitation. For reasons she didn't understand, Thérèse was excited at the thought of him being there. Before she could think more about it, the dressmaker stood up from her knees and told Thérèse she was done.
"It should be ready in a few hours." the old woman said. Thérèse thanked her kindly and changed back into her own clothes. As she left the workshop Thérèse was still trying to push away thoughts of Henri.