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Someone pushed the girl forward, so much so that she fell with loose steps to the barn. The policeman yanked untied the captive’s eyes. Mademoiselle de Frase frantically looked around. The young woman was in the basement, looking like a prison for recalcitrant prisoners. In all the corners hung with cobwebs, through the bars were not penetrated by a single ray of light and in the shade on top of a terrible machine for waterboarding. The victim before torture were not given food for several days and then lowered to the bottom of the building so that as much as possible bulging belly (although, after the fast it was hard to do) and started to pour water in the mouth. Unfortunate either choked or liquid filled inside, the stomach could not withstand and exploded. Arabella, barely holding himself in nausea, turned away from the car and stared at the leaving silhouettes of the gendarmes.
The time dragged terribly slowly and painfully. The girl then walked around the dungeon, then sat in the hayloft, peering into the blackness of the night. Whatever it was, but fatigue quickly overcame the young woman and she huddled in a corner, dozed off.
There was a creaking door. Harsh light illuminated the dark basement. Arabella terrified opened his eyes. At the door, in the shadows, stood a man, which goes on the wood, swaying the cane. French, barely breathing from fear, pressed her back to the dirty wall. The old man approached her, quietly, barely moving his feet.
«Who Are You? What do You need? – asked fearfully provincial.
– Don’t be afraid, "came the unknown voice. It sounded like from far away, from the impenetrable darkness.
– Why are You here? I am the innocent.
– Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you. I am an ordinary person, trying to show the right path those who have strayed from the true path and goes where the one light burning, surrounded by a sinister, impenetrable forest, but skips the road at the end of which light, joy, happiness, and the hot flames who burned the troubles. Remember, a small candle, which had lit one hand to put out easier than the fire burning thanks to a few touches. Therefore, look for a mutual, happy love, let it not even be sprinkled with gold, and with rural, poor hay. But unrequited passion, even made of diamonds and purple, will not bring peace, enjoyment and tranquility, but only to empty the soul, break the heart and, like an arrow, vague thoughts fill with memories of the past.
Arabella, scarcely breathing, listened to these precious, wise speech. The old man looked like a simple poor man, but he spoke true words of the philosopher.
– What do You mean? I am clean before God, "slowly drawled the girl.
Is now you clean and pure, but will take a little time, and you will be dressed in gold and diamonds. Proudly will wear silk and gold brocade, on his head – a crown of precious stones, silver tiaras, and delicate, like the petals of a flower ripe pomegranate, veils. On the neck of your hundreds of expensive pendants will hang at the hands of the machined ring and the bracelets jingle. But… your hands dirty in the red blood… With fingers dripping red liquid, which eclipsed the radiance of luxury. And pride… It will stifle the voice of conscience and justice.
– I’ll never shed the blood of innocent people. Nothing can drown out my conscience, proudly threw the young woman. Her voice sounded sad, but undisguised arrogance.
The old man with a sad half-smile whispered: «Look around. What do you see? It will happen to your soul.
The girl stared. Around her, on the floor, on the walls, on the hay lay jewelry, gold, silver, precious stones, gold coins. But Arabella, looking closely, saw in all this drops of fresh, red blood. She shone like autumn leaves in the afternoon sun, sparkled like stars in the night sky. Suddenly there was a deafening rumble, so strong that everything around trembled. The Duke’s daughter, saw a fire-breathing dragon that rises out of the ground. Because of the fear that breeds in the entire body, the girl couldn’t move. She had to consider only the old man who went into the shade, then filled all Hellfire…
Arabella de Frase squealing woke up. The old guy, the gold, the words, the dragon – it’s only a nightmare, a horrible dream. Young beauty with horror looked around. She was still in that dirty, damp dungeon. The Frenchwoman sighed. The girl didn’t know how much time you’ve been here, because the camera was always dominated by impenetrable darkness.
Again there was a deafening, obnoxious creak of the door and to jail someone silently entered. But it was not a dream but a harsh reality. In the shadows stood silent policeman, holding a copper bowl and a water bottle. Arabella stood up. She was no longer afraid that guards might kill her for disobedience. The worst thing is to stay in this chamber for a long time.
– How much time I will still be here? It is a prison ever end?
I’m just a guard and I know nothing. Only sir Albert de Germond can let You go. In the meantime, You just have to wait! "the man nodded.
– What to expect?
Or release or penalty, – with these words the policeman put a bowl of soup and slice of bread on a fresh haystack.
The day passed, the second… The guards wore Arabella food, basins for washing, but the girl couldn’t stand this confinement. No one except a few guards came to her. Unfortunately, those were silent, and only occasionally cast a glance at the Frenchwoman, like a criminal.
Early one morning in the prison he heard a commanding voice, and on the threshold appeared a young, gallant man, an aristocrat, dressed in the latest elegant French fashion. Everything in it seemed so harmonious and even a little corny, but this threatening sword, resting on the belt… Arabella shuddered from the silver Shine of a sharp blade.
– Miss Arabella, politely handed it to the stranger, removing his hat and bowing low.
«Who are You? – roughly threw the girl, turning away from the newcomer.
– Oh, Milady, you see, a courtesy You have not learned. Well, to do re-education of the rebellious maidens I’m not going. Therefore the answer to Your question: my name is Mr. Mocenigo, I am the chief Advisor and close friend of his Majesty the king of France Louis XIII. Great monarch gave the order to visit You before his arrival.
– To visit or to kill? – laughed the daughter of the Duke.
– Kill? I was just wondering, what have You done that are on death row?
– I and itself do not know, for what sins I now have to suffer. I didn’t do anything to lose his life. Kindly tell me when I can get out of here?
– When the king comes. Only the Lord has the right to release You, because on his initiative You languishing here.
– You know he’s gonna kill me…, – resignedly nodded the girl. Sir, said nothing, silently left the basement.
By evening, the young woman heard noises behind the wall. Leaning against the icy stone, she managed to overhear the conversation of two guards:
– Now comes the Louis. He was very angry, seeing his captive like this. Get her a new dress and a tub for bathing. Let them get cleaned up, "ordered the commander of the corps.
The girl sat on the floor. The mind didn’t want to see Louis but heart… After that fateful night, enough time has passed, but the wound is still bleeding.
Dressed in clean linen gown, a young woman nervously walked around the dungeon, nibbling, and so the cracked lip. Arabella with trepidation expecting that the camera will go silent executioners and blow her head off. The Duke’s daughter, heard distinct footsteps behind the door, Louis.
– Is she there?
– Yes, Your Majesty.
«Come with me, Albert.
The girl squared her dress and lightly combed hair. Anyway, the charming beauty wanted to look irresistible to monarch of France. The door, as if by magic, easily opened, and the camera proudly walked the son of Mary de Medici, whose face was carefully covered wide-brimmed hat.
– How dare you?! Who dared to put her in the hands of these terrible chains?! – suddenly furious cried the king.
– I’m sorry, sire, I now immediately withdraw, "the woman exclaimed quietly when her wrists snapped a little lock, and rough iron crashed down on the floor. Arabella rubbed his swollen wrist, removed the ginger, the stray lock of hair from the face, and when they were alone with the Lord, dared to speak proudly, not bothering to bow: – What happens sir? Your people attacked my house, tied me up, put on the face of the bag and threw it into the carriage. Then they brought in some kind of basement and who knows how long I languished in this barn. Please tell me why You were ordered to take me to this village?
Louis heartily laughed. But the young woman only grinned arrogantly. First time in her life she felt a real, unusual sympathy, even more, to a man of such high birth. Louis was a handsome, attractive man still quite young years. Slender body, brown eyes, curly, dark hair… The girl was crazy and scary that this handsome man had once possessed her, and she was in his bed. The French now saw before him a completely different person. Not authoritative, heartless king and a gentleman, capable of tender touches and gentle, kind words. This might be a strange feeling, such a timid, touching, sweet and bore the name of «Love».
Arabella smiled at his own thoughts and looked directly in Louis ' eyes that it was unlawful for any woman. But it did not offend the king, on the contrary, he came still closer to his captive, and quiet, smooth whispered, "You are an amazing girl, Arabella, just think that my men brought You in some backwater village. Actually You are in Paris, in the basement of my house. I was ordered to take You through the shortest path, so that Your brilliant mind did not understand, Mademoiselle.
– I’m in Paris? Oh, I think I understand. This here must be my death penalty?
– I’m not going to kill You, my lady. I love You…
– Love?.. weakly stammered the Duke’s daughter. The Bishop leaned over his slave, so close that their lips almost touched each other. The girl was afraid of this intimacy, but what could she do, if there is a fire of passion blazed in the soul stronger? The frail body went limp in the strong arms of a young man, Arabella had felt on his thin waist his stimulating touch.
– No need…, " said the pale lips of Arabella, trying to turn away from Louis broke out his face: – do Not need to do what then we both will regret…
– Oh, my beloved flower, why fight fate, if she wished to unite our hearts and give us blissful love? Beautiful…unique…my…
Young beauty closed her eyes and quietly mumbled: «Oh Almighty Lord, I have committed the sin, but he’s so sweet.» The Frenchwoman did not notice, as it appeared in the strong arms of the Lord. The man, slightly raising the girl, put her in the barn and was exciting to untie the laces on the corset. A hot shiver ran through the body of Arabella, and his head was spinning. Clasping his trembling hands to the neck of Louis, the young woman felt like drowning in a whirlpool of passion.
Chapter 6
Arabella and the king lay in the hayloft, staring out at the night studded with stars, the sky. Young woman felt in the soul of the mortal smell of love, which was interpreted by the poets in their verses and singing the medieval troubadours. The mistress of the young man smiled, thinking that her ordinary commoner, fell in love with the monarch of France.
– Why did you chose me? I was a simple poor girl who came in a luxury ball, hosted by the charming Lord of these lands. I used to think that no hobo will not want to touch me, and then I know the world of eternity in the arms of the nobles. Really they say, God works in mysterious ways…
– You’re not like everyone else. You are special, tender, but also playful, passionate and daring. Your brilliant mind and dazzling charm, has no equal. When I saw you that day, in a gloomy gallery in my head flashed the thought «If I don’t possess the heart and soul of this virgin, I’m not king of France». Sire hugged his lover and gently slid lips over her cheek.
– How do we do now? the joy disappeared from the voices of the lovely ladies: I’m only your lover, but I’ll never be… his wife.
Arabella looked at her master and noticed how he paled. Louis ' eyes seemed to have frozen, but the smile was forever wiped from his face.
– What’s wrong with you? – thoughtfully asked the girl, touching her soft palm the cheeks of the beloved. The king, with downcast eyes, rose from the hayloft and began to quickly pull his white shirt: – get Dressed. We got to go.
Young woman a small smile, shook his head: – are You going to answer, the monarch turned so sharply that it felt like it suddenly burned a fire. Brown eyes narrowed and face flushed crimson. Girl for the first time really startled by the anger this man. The French wanted to protest, but Louis interrupted her with an angry cry: – Mademoiselle, I’m not going to expect You! Quickly get dressed and follow me!
The young woman rose, and coming to the Lord, put his hand on his shoulder: – are You mad at me… But why?
Louis took Arabella by the wrist and gently kissed her fingers: – How can I be angry with you, Oh, my lovely angel? You’re everything to me: food, drink, air, earth, water, the sun and the moon. Without you I am nothing, nor the king, neither man nor man. Your hair, your eyes and mouth – for me the most beautiful in this world. Do not worry for nothing, my love, – the Lord has his hand to his lush lips of Mademoiselle de Frase.
– Then tell me, what will I be for you: wife or concubine?
– We’ll talk about it then, the king leaned over and handed Arabella her dress: – now, come on.
The girl, wearing the outfit that went after the Governor. He brought the French out of the basement and calling the footman, said: «While my lady settled in her old room. Later I’ll have to find the best apartments with terrace and maids room. And yet, call me in my chambers Mrs. Mocenigo.
The king went to his bedchamber. In his heart raged a strange feeling, both pleasurable and frightening. «Arabella murmured the monarch. This name seemed to the king bittersweet. It was in harmony, peace, but worry, fear. Louis walked over to the fireplace, watching the fire that consumes the dry branches. So needless to experience and destroyed in the soul Louie, everything is fine.
A knock at the door interrupted the thinking of the sovereign. In the nearly silent office came a gentleman.
– Your Majesty, You wished to see me?
– Meet Mocenigo, – the Lord sat at the table: – Declare all that now, miss Arabella de Frase is my legitimate favorite, bring her in the highest rank of lady-in-waiting and best mark chambers in this Palace. I increase her monthly salary to four times.
The gentleman raised his eyes. The Italian knew his master, imperious and severe, which no one really disliked, and now he’s with passionate fervor was talking about a beautiful French woman.
– Mocenigo, I have found happiness and peace near Arabella. Her lips, eyes and voice became my Paradise. But you… when you find your love? – with a smile asked forces.
The young man flushed, but his eyes went cold and went out: «Your Majesty, my beloved wife Clarissa was everything to me. You know, her dying is still in my ears. As much as I tried, I can’t forget her.
«My friend, your wife was very good woman. But, dying, she wanted for you was happiness. May she live forever in your memory but in your heart needs to appear different.
Wound, aching for many years, will not be delayed for another moment. And I am proud that this bloody scar, like a fragrant rose, reminds me of Clarissa, wishing to translate the conversation in a more pleasant direction, a gentleman told: – Sir, today there arrived a messenger, he brought a letter from her Majesty Marie de Medici.
– Well, call him. Let’s see what wishes, mother, "Signor several times clapped his hands, ordering rascaldom to enter. The young man bowed respectfully, and held out a neatly folded sheet of paper, stapled heavy, the Royal seal.
– Hey, man, how the Queen mother? I hope in good health?
– With the Queen-mother well, it is night and day prays for your well-being meters. The wedding planning is in full swing, my Lord.
In the office silence. Mocenigo was embarrassed, dropped his eyes, sympathetically glancing at the king. The Italian knew perfectly well that his master does not want this marriage, but not dared to oppose his majestic mother. And miss Arabella would not stand such a blow.
– Tell the Queen that let the Infanta is not yet come. I’m too busy to meet the Princess bride. The rest I personally write my mother, and you’ll give the letter. The audience was over.
When the messenger left the chambers, Signor, at the behest of the king, began to read:
«Oh, my great son, the ruler and brave warrior, the Lord Almighty grant you good health and happiness! I’ve heard rumors about blessed be your glorious deeds. The whole nation admires you, and not cease to say that the mighty monarch gave homes to poor people, widows and the elderly, orphans ordered to write to the local guest houses and monasteries, built new estates! Now no one is hungry and begging. I hope that soon, with the permission of the Almighty, take grandchildren on hand, and our glorious dynasty will continue. Bless you, my Lord.
The Queen mother Marie de Medici»
– Write the lady that if her desire to marry me is so great, I will submit to him and will wait for her wedding day. You can go.
– As you command, Your Majesty, – bowed, nobleman departed.
***
Jesse diligently combed the hair of Arabella, because the young mistress was preparing for the upcoming night with the king.
«Today I am going with Louis, – sweetly handed it to the girl, meticulously examining his face in a small, gold mirror.
You were very lucky, mA’am. Not everyone has the opportunity to become the lover of the monarch, thoughtfully, "replied the maid.
– Are you jealous? – smiled beauty.
– What Are You? I’m just proud of You, my lady, rising from the couch, the girl was put on the scarlet lips and the brilliant lipstick: is My outfit ready?
– Of course, Mademoiselle. The seamstress was able to create out of the ordinary piece of fabric a real work of art.
Dressed in a white dress made of smooth silk and decorated with pearl beads, a young woman went into the bedchamber of the Lord.
– The king awaits me, "said the guards Arabella. Bowing, the guards missed the favorite.
Once inside the chambers, the girl with a smile bowed in reverence. The king ordered his mistress to come: – Oh, my beloved, come you lit up these gloomy walls.
The daughter of the Duke sat down opposite Louis and wrapped her arms about his strong shoulders, gently muttering: «I’m so over you missed. My Lord, Lord of my heart, without you, not nice to me nor days, nor nights, for you are my sun and moon.
– I’ve been thinking all day about you, my beautiful maiden. Your eyes, like stars, illuminate my true path. I swear, I’ve never felt my heart, soul, body and mind belong to the most beautiful woman.
– This is what I dream of. For me the most important thing is to be your place of happiness and peace. Because only with me you will gain it all, "Arabella de Frase lowered his blue, beautiful eyes.
– You doubt my love? – in the voice of Syrah came the rebuke, and she regretted that he had spoken these words.
– What are you? I have no doubt, and just want to hear it with my own ears. To hear what I am to you only, and no other, and never will be!
– Then listen, – the ruler touched the lips of Arabella’s lips and whispered: – You are the one, special, unique. In the whole world no other, because you’re my fiancée, mistress, lover. Those lips, eyes, hair. Don’t doubt me, rose. My loyalty and love for you is boundless, Louis gently put his arm around Arabella.
The following days stretched with a constant serenity. A young woman has entered the rank of lady-in-waiting, and now she can with ease and dignity attend balls and feasts. The king showered his young lover with all sorts of gifts: he was giving me expensive jeweler, luxurious dresses and Slavic fur, which was famous throughout Europe. Of course, she felt that in addition to monarch, Jesse and Mrs. Mocenigo her no one else loved in the Palace. Aristocrat saw the young mistress only rival, and he was angry on themselves because of the impossibility of even Flirty take a look in the direction of the adorable women.
But carefree life in a moment just collapsed. Louis began to move away from Arabella, coming up with pretexts and excuses. All night the girl waited for the Lord in the hope that he would come to her, will embrace, will kiss, but the young woman’s bed remained cold and empty.
– The Lord didn’t love her anymore, "he whispered to the court beauties.
Of course, Mademoiselle de Frase continued to believe in the love of his Majesty, but unless she could assume, what is actually the reason?
Once Arabella was out walking with Jesse in the garden. Cool wind developed the sparkling, red hair women in the wind, caressed the face, as if trying to comfort him, but pensive lady just aimlessly walked down the alley.
«Something the matter, Milady? You are so sad, "came the voice of a maid peeling off your face lace veil: – You don’t listen to gossip, walking around the Palace.
– I don’t listen to gossip, I listen to my heart. It feels the approach of trouble. I’m afraid of. Inside some nasty com, ' replied the lady, sadly contemplating the drops of dew on the green grass.
– Be calm, Mademoiselle. Rely on the mercy of the Lord, "smiled the maid, crossing himself three times, fending off misfortune.
Arabella turned to leave, but suddenly heard the cry of a Herald: His Majesty king Louis XIII! – the two girls sat down in a low curtsy. The Emperor came up to Arabella: What are you doing here so early?
– Lord, I went out, pale lips spoke Parisian.
Noticing the sadness on the face of the concubines, Louis gently raised her chin and looked into clouded unclear pain of the eye: – why are you so sad? Did something happen?
– Sir, – a young woman’s voice trembled and broke, and the eyes were full of tears:
– Why are you avoiding me? What did I do wrong? Don’t you love me? The ruler of France smiled, but abruptly withdrew his hand, as if sensing the touch of fire: – Silly, where in your head these thoughts? Dry your tears, don’t cry. The mistress of the king do not go to these silver tracks on her cheeks, suddenly in the voice, Louis felt the icy steel, and his eyes flashed a ruthless spark of hatred and anger: – You have to be obedient and quiet, to do everything that I say. Trust me, it’s for your own good. If I several times rejected your «invitation» for the night, so I had to. Tonight come to me tonight.
When the monarch had gone, Mademoiselle continued to stand motionless. It seemed to her that inside, everything is enveloped in fire. She didn’t understand why tears are still flowing cheeks, and the heart continues to race wildly inside. This wind that develops in the air the leaves and her hair, did not Bode well. Excitement choked Arabella. Sudden rain washed away from the face of Parisian beauties salty drops, but also sowed confusion in the minds of girls. With the first clap of thunder the young woman realized that the king was suspected of treason and infidelity. But this thought pierced by a fiery arrow don’t mind the French, and her heart. To through not to get wet, the lady went briskly up the marble staircase, flooded with rain.
On the evening of the sad beauty was sitting in front of the fire and reading an ancient book. She wasn’t going to night with Louis, because I knew deep down that this night will not. Jesse, bringing her mistress a glass of water, asked in surprise: «are You ready? The hour is getting late.
– I think the monarch will not call me.
– Madam, but he himself said that he wants today to see You in his chambers.
– It’s only words…
– Milady, what is wrong with You? There something you hiding from me?
– Poor me, Jesse, very badly. I don’t understand why in the eyes of the Lord was the cold, the indifference, contempt. I’ve never noticed. Can be seen, there is some terrible secret.
– Here comes the footman, and say that his Majesty wants to take his beautiful, beloved mistress. Then You have dispelled doubt.