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– God forbid, "sighed Arabella de Frase.
Suddenly there came a persistent knocking at the door and on the threshold appeared a servant.
– The monarch is calling me? – anxiously asked the young woman.
– No, Mademoiselle, his Majesty said that today’s don’t want You to see, and told them to cancel the preparations for the night.
Get out! – screamed the girl.
«Madam,» the confused footman made a hesitant step forward.
– Get out! Get out of my face! – the girl frantically got out of bed. Staggering, the unhappy went to the door, through which came the sound of steps moving away the frightened servants. The young mistress knew that it was time for the truth, no matter how bitter it was.
– My lady, please don’t do this! Don’t go there! The king even more angry! A woman can’t…
– I know, Jesse, that woman has nothing, she has no right to someone to disobey, to raise his eyes, to Express their opinion, has no right to be happy! But I will not be silent just because I am a woman! – the girl, like a storm, ran out from her chamber and ran down the corridor to the bedchamber of Louis. Arabella knew that will no longer tolerate the deceit and contempt on the part of the monarch. Either he loves her and will never betray or let openly about the affair. Fortunately, the guards were not at their posts and a young woman, suppressing his fear and uncertainty, came to the door, hearing the conversation perfectly, Signora Mocenigo and Louis.
– Your Majesty, it’s the message from king Philip III. Anne of Austria is on the way and will arrive soon to the Palace.
– Oh, if I could not take her marriage… This unwelcome marriage, like fetters, binds me with a Princess.
– But, sire, this is the wedding, the formality, the signature on the documents. You know what really will be nothing…
– No, my friend, will… Will be a real marriage. Not only the merging of two dynasties, but also the fusion of bodies. I had also thought, why did the kings survive, oppress themselves, suffer, marrying unloved, I thought, so easy to say: «You are only my Queen, but not his wife». It turns out that these words very difficult to pronounce. Mother wants to hold her grandchildren, how could I resist her will? This woman will lie down in my bed pure and undefiled virgin, and get up full consort to the monarch of France. The orders were not created to be broken, Mocenigo, – wanting to translate a Frank conversation in an official shape, the Archbishop said: – See that my bride was given the most luxurious room and the most industrious servants, and met, according to our tradition. Declare to all Europe that soon at the foot of the throne of the Bourbons sit Princess—the Princess of the Habsburg dynasty – Austrian Anna!
«As you wish, Your great Majesty! – bowed to the Italian.
Arabella swayed. On her forehead a cold sweat, my chest tightened, not allowing to breathe freely. The girl frantically grabbed the ledge of the wall, trying to stand on trembling legs. Honest monarch, worthy lover, a strong man, could not be so despicable to do that to my minion! Whatever it was, Arabella didn’t want to believe it. But this harsh reality forced myself to accept. Merciless fate decided to permanently separate the two lovers. Though perhaps it was not the share, and whimsy of Louis. The young woman closed her beautiful face ALGID hands. Now Mademoiselle de Frase had no strength even to tears and sobs. Inside was nothing but the emptiness so cold, barren, but at the same time and pour all-consuming fire. The pain seemed endless without the point touching the mind. The Duke’s daughter, did not dare to raise his eyes as the whole world seemed mired in hatred and suffering, and the walls squeezed on all sides.
Beauty with a trembling hand opened the door of the room master. The king, seeing the mistress, with displeasure looked at each other with their senior Advisor: – What is she doing here? – muttered the Royal son of Marie de Medici – Who let her in here without my permission?
– I’ll find everything out. Don’t worry, sir, "the nobleman quickly walked over to Arabella, ready to put her out the door like a common peasant, but suddenly the French woman swayed, and only through strong hands, Mocenigo managed to stand on the legs give way: – That with You?
The young woman raised his blank, red eyes, and, pushing the Italian, approached the table of the king: «You betrayed me, – the miserable voice came through the pain and regret.
Frowning, Louis has pretended that does not understand what he is talking about his mistress: – What do you mean? How dare you…
– Don’t deny it. I know that the Spanish Princess is your bride, future woman. But why?.. Do I deserve such treatment? What did I do wrong? That was loyal and obedient fool, fulfill all your whims? That for the sake of your false promises have left home, the mother, have forgotten their past? «Arabella felt like with every minute her eyes filled with salty drops, and the body trembles. Now the lovely mouth girls talked about everything that was on her broken heart. But even hundreds of truthful speeches and dialects could not tell that unbearable pain that felt abandoned woman. This fire burned a Frenchwoman from the inside, turned into raging flames, and even an ocean of tears could not put out, only revenge could overcome this awful feeling of emotional pain and torture harsh fate.
Rough and loud voice of the king brought the girl from sad thoughts: – who are You, that I have reported to you before?! The Queen, or my wife think you are?! Get out and don’t ever that to me to arrange! – Lord nodded, Mocenigo, that he brought a daring lover. But Arabella de Frase began to scream and to escape: – Kill me! Penalty! Do what you want! You’ve ruined me without butchers and without a sword, even when the first time had been deceived and betrayed! Even the most terrible blows of the whip is nothing compared to the wound that’s in my heart! But nobody, will never see, and will not understand what suffering can cause as it seems the most wonderful feeling on Earth. You know, love is sweet only in look but bitter to the taste. What do you say?! Needless to say, king?! Or did you realize what you’ve done?!
The monarch so abruptly jumped up from the table, a crystal decanter, filled with aromatic, dense wine, with a crash fell on the carpet and smashed to pieces. Louis angrily walked over to his mistress, and seizing her hand, hissed like a wild, enraged beast: – Immediately shut up. Otherwise…
– Otherwise what? haughtily asked the charming French.
Male jerk took from his belt a dagger with a Golden handle, and held a blade to the neck of a young woman: – Otherwise you will lose life, unworthy slave! I’ll kill you right here, on this spot, to deliver thee, like you said, from the love that lived in your heart! the king stared into the eyes of Arabella, anticipating what a feeling raging in her soul. Tears dripped from the eyes of the girl, but the monarch, in a region filled with rage, slashed her blade. The blade nicked his neck not shocked the French, and the lower part of the left cheek. Blood, like bloody flowers blossomed on the dagger. But Arabella had not even cried from the pain because this wound is nothing compared to the one that bleeds in the shower.
Mr. Mocenigo ran up to Louis and grabbed his wrist, anxiously said: «Not necessary, Your Majesty! Let go of the knife, please!
Monarch sharply pushed a young woman and hit him in the face so violently that the poor thing fell on the floor: Get rid of her. Don’t let this snake catches my eye! the nobleman gently lifted the French woman quietly, almost silently whispered, "for God’s Sake, shut up. Do not argue with the Lord.
The daughter of the Duke boldly grabbed his hand at the man.
– This sin will remain on you, king! – quickly having sat down in a curtsey, Arabella ran out of the chambers of the beloved.
The girl, once in the hallway, did not hold back their tears. She, sobbing, weeping, frantically turned to the Advisor of the Lord: – Why You didn’t tell me? You knew about it! As You is able to hide from me?!
– Mademoiselle, calm yourself. I don’t wish You harm. I just feared that, on learning of the wedding, You decide to prevent the arrival of the Infanta, and it will be the beginning of a bloody feud between the two dynasties. Look, I didn’t mean to say it, but I will: this marriage is a very important political move, a Union of States. The king can not because of love for a simple girl to disobey orders of the Queen mother, to go against the whole of Spain. The monarchs never married for love, and our Lord, a supporter of the laws and traditions that do not violate this rule. If You really love, then accept, otherwise everything will only get worse. Marriage and love never walked together under this roof. In these palaces, a hundred mistresses of the ancestors of the Bourbons, and each waited patiently for his sovereign, silent, obedient, got what I expected: property, honor and a rare night of love. Having embarked on a minion You from the very beginning agreed with such rules, without even knowing it. Arabella, You are still a concubine of the king, so it was to be. You belong to him, and he occasionally will belong to You.
French woman, swallowing her tears, replied, proudly raised his head: – the fact of the matter is that I remain only a concubine and not…, – the girl suddenly cried from a sharp pain. Fresh wound on his cheek continued to bleed.
My lady, You have a deep cut. You need to handle it immediately, "observed the gentleman, touching the bloody cheek of Mademoiselle de Frase.
Madam, moving away from the lady, suddenly hissed an evil voice, "Get off of me! Don’t touch me! – a young Parisian woman, sobbing, ran down the hallway. Nobleman a sad look accompanied Arabella. The man didn’t even try to catch up with the mistress of his master, to calm, to give friendly advice, for he knew perfectly well that if a woman has decided to revenge, she can’t get in the way because it will destroy any obstacles, however challenging they may be.
The girl fell to her knees and cried out, bringing the eye to the ceiling: – why, God?! For that you have taken me away from my life, with my beloved king?! What ushered in the love astray?! What did I do to You?! For what sins am I paying?! Have mercy, o Lord, your unworthy servant, that succumbed to the filthy Vice! Do not punish me more for this blow is the worst! Ice froze my heart, and the relentless fire burnt up the soul! This feeling, like an arrow, plunged into me, haunts me. Why he did it?! Why forced to suffer?! Is this the fee for my love and loyalty? Tell me, Oh, Heavens, what is more important: love in poverty, or loneliness in luxury? My eyes that devoured beautiful form of the beloved, drowning in tears, and in them, except the aching emptiness, nothing more. Why so harsh?
Arabella sat in the corner of the hallway and pulled his knees to his chin, clasping their trembling, bloody hands. Now she already did not cry, but it is a feeling of detachment from the world itself was terrible. It seemed that she was slowly drowning in the ocean of pain and those red, cold eyes never see a ray of sunshine.
He heard the steps… In the light of the dim lamps seemed vague, dark silhouette Jesse. A young maid with a cry fell back, seeing sitting in the shade Mademoiselle de Frase. Fresh blood ran down his cheek rejected mistress, but the French did not pay the slightest attention. The lady’s maid, frantically clutching a candle, went to his lady, and, quietly kneeling down, put his hand on the cold wrist Arabella: «What’s wrong, Milady? – Jesse’s voice was as dull and colorless as the voice of the daughter of the Duke.
The king’s mistress, her head turned away and groaned, but so softly that the maid was barely able to decipher the following words: – Take me to my room…
– Madam, where did You get this wound? Who dared You to do this?
– Do not dare to ask. Just do what I ordered, in the girl’s voice was heard commanding tone. Not for the first time Jesse felt only the jerk in front of mistress. Gently lifting my lady, the maid led her down the deserted, frightening corridors. English repeatedly asked Arabella, what is it that happened, but the Parisienne was silent, not taking his eyes from the extinct one dead point. It was clear that the king still struck a terrible blow to the one that recently called the beloved, the only rose in the spring garden.
Finally we saw the doors of the bedchamber Mademoiselle de Frase. The maid put Arabella on a soft bed, removing the top lady dress.
– Ma’am, tell me what happened? You’re scaring me with his silence and aloofness.
– Irreparable happened! "said the girl.
Jesse sighed and walked over to the cupboard and took the ointment of wild herbs, carefully prepared, rustic old wife is a Gypsy. The lady’s maid gently struck liquid, foul—smelling medicine on Arabella’s cheek. French woman suddenly exclaimed. This pain led her out of the shock. Just now young beauty felt a chin dripping crimson, like rose buds, a drop of blood.
– Mademoiselle, – asked the mistress English: – Your wound may again start bleeding. And it is unlikely that this ointment will have the desired effect. It might be better to fetch the healer? Let’s examine, properly washed, will impose seams.
– No, not necessary. I don’t want anyone to know about this… incident. According to the Palace gossip spread faster than the autumn wind. You have to be silent. Understand?
Arabella spoke these words strongly and firmly. Hearing common speech of his lady, the servant girl smiled: – something else?
– I’m tired. Help me go to sleep, "ordered the Parisian, adjusting the folds of the lace negligee.
Blue-eyed girl, placing Arabella in bed and extinguish the lamp, departed quietly.
When the door closed behind the maid, the young woman began to sob again. When lady’s maid she didn’t want to show weakness, but now the French woman was alone, alone with my tears and grief.
Jesse, making sure that Mademoiselle was asleep, decided to investigate Signor, Mocenigo. The maid knew that such a skilled schemer, as chief Advisor, known to all the blazing passion in the Palace.
The maid briskly walked in the dark corridors. Everywhere was dim, only near the blue salon, where he was a Cabinet Minister and important government officials, was burning a small flame. Its dim flame shimmered shades of red blood and the hot sun. The maid frantically clutched in a trembling hand the candle. Night gallery seemed frightening, impenetrable maze. Despite desperate bravery, the girl exclaimed, seeing a shadow moving near the wall. It was rumored that at night the Palace man penetrates, hunting for one of honor, once tarnished his honor. Jessie shuddered when she remembered that recently in the Laundry room was found murdered woman, maid of honor, Madame de Rua. She said that a few years ago at the behest of the eldest brother married a cruel and ruthless count who abused her, screamed, belittled, even beaten. Unable to withstand the violence of Madame de Rua decided to go, so in love with her groom. The fugitives soon found that the boy was killed, and the woman managed to escape in the French court. But that didn’t stop the enraged, insulted the man and he began to retaliate. Anyone who got in his way, fell with a slit throat.
Maid extinguished the candle, and pressed his whole body against the wall, hoping her wouldn’t notice. But instead shadows seemed even—contoured silhouette, clearly belonged to the man: broad shoulders, oval face, small beard. Jesse closed his mouth, quietly whispered: «Oh, Holy virgin, protect me». The man was coming closer and closer. Hearing his breath, the young woman screamed. But…it was only Mr. Mocenigo.
– You?! – did not keep the exclamation English.
– What are you doing here at midnight? – rudely asked the gentleman.
– Your Excellency, I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize You, "hastily curtsied maid.
– Why at such a time you’re wandering around the corridors? Haven’t you heard the stories about the ruthless killer, prowling here in search of a rebellious wife? Want to become a victim? And who now with Mademoiselle de Frase? How dare you leave her alone?
– I wanted to see You, my Lord. Don’t worry, how could I leave my lady? With MS now Fitness.
– I listen to what you need?
– Sir, the last time miss Arabella was continually sad, thinking that his Majesty had changed her. Then they met in the garden. After hearing the speech of the poor ladies, the king asked her to come to him tonight, but then came the footman, and said that the sire changed his mind and does not want to see their favorite. This really angered my lady. She rushed off, most likely in the chambers of the Lord. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen. For a long time it was not. I got worried and went looking. Mademoiselle was sitting on the floor in the gallery in tears and blood… What happened to her? Did the king still struck Arabella is such a horrible, vile attack? Yes how dare he play the feelings of an innocent girl? – Jesse spoke, not watching their threat, treacherous words. The maid had no right to even have a bad word to say about his sovereign, and if these speeches were heard by someone else, then it would be a stupid head flew to the scaffold steps.
The Advisor listened carefully to his companion, but when he had finished, the man threw her to the wall, clutching her throat, through clenched teeth: – who are You, woman, to condemn the decision of the Emperor himself?! You can’t even think, dishonorable slave!
The frightened maid was trembling. Her eyes filled with tears of fear. Hand the lady clutched her throat with such force that it was hard to breathe: I’m not guilty…, " the voice of a servant shuddered.
Suddenly, Jessie and the nobleman fell silent. They looked at each other with a strange passion. The maid touched ALGID fingers of the palm, Mocenigo. A friend of the king bent over the girl and their lips connected in a searing kiss. Jesse closed his eyes. Now it seemed to her that the stars are falling from the skies, and nice cool wind wraps around the whole body. The young woman felt his breath, his hot lips and eyes. But it’s a love daze lasted only a moment. The maid freed from the sudden embrace, she ran down the hall to his room. Closing the latch on the door, an Englishwoman, breathing heavily, walked over to the mirror. Now she looked worried and scared. Always pale cheeks flamed red color, the eyes glowed with playful lights. Jesse didn’t understand what was happening to her: his heart heaved, his forehead a cold sweat. Why Mr. Mocenigo kissed her? He then felt a slight tug, or a true feeling? The maid admired the chief counselor to the French court for a long time, but now she felt something else – love. But like her usual maid of lower birth could rely on the attention of the most influential schemer Paris?
A dream girl heard a quiet moaning. Getting up from the bed, Jesse came out of his room and walked over to the bed mistress. Arabella, squirming in bed, moaned softly. Leaning over the lady, the maid whispered, trying to reassure her: «Hush, my lady, calm down. It’s all good.
But the young woman continued to mumble slurred speech. From her lips escaped the words:– Louis… darling… don’t leave me…, Madame screeched awake. Panting, she looked around: – What’s wrong with me? Where am I?
– All right. You had a nightmare.
Arabella leaned back on the silk pillows. – Bring me some water.
The maid, by submitting a glass, sat down beside me. After a few SIPS, young mistress, he set his Cup on the crystal table.
The sight of the girl stiffened, and his face became deadly pale.
– Mademoiselle, You are bad. I’ll call the doctor, "hastily decided English.
The daughter of the Duke, seizing the maid by the hand, replied sternly: «No, it is not necessary to call the doctor. I just had a horrible dream, "Arabella, never saying a word, got out of bed and headed for the door.
– Where are You, lady? – frightened maid.
I will go out in the garden.
– But now the night – puzzled said Jesse.
– So what? – Arabella, opening the door wide open, went down the stairs. Walking through the passages of the Palace, she went to the garden, separated by glass door. Opening the shutters, she went out to the patio ladies of the manor.
On the street «there was» a deep, impenetrable night. A huge moon, like a white, sparkling ball, filled his moon face of the sky. In the garden was not dark, even despite the fact that there were no burning torches or oil lamps. Yellowed leaves circling in a whirlwind of ruthless, icy wind. Early autumn seemed not beautiful, but harsh and cold.
Arabella motioned Jesse standing in the doorway, to leave.
– But, Madam, You freeze.
– To immediately leave me alone! Get out of here! – shouted a young woman.
Bowing, the maid rushed out.
The daughter of the Duke, falling on the marble bench, summed up his eyes to heaven. Bright star, like a fiery arrow, and disappeared over the horizon. At this time, from the lips of Arabella blurted out the words: – I will not rest until revenge on those who made me suffer…
Early in the morning when everything is still asleep, a lady’s maid was quietly embroidering in the alcove of the window. Suddenly appeared in the doorway personal maid Advisor: Jessie Higgins, wishes to see You, his grace Mr. Mocenigo, – notified it.
The maid, turning pale, went to the girl, "Me? What you need sir is the counselor?
– I do not know. But You have to come to him immediately.
– I can’t leave Mademoiselle de Frase itself. Fitness and went to the port to the dying father, "protested the maid.
– Don’t worry. Until Your return I’ll stay with mistress. Yes and she is asleep.
Nodding, the English lady took from a chest made of ivory, a veil and covered her hair. According to the laws of decency, woman, before meeting a man for the position above it, was hiding her hair under a cloak. Only a married lady, aged more than forty years, could not cover the head.
French yard was huge and consisted of several castles. In one of these palaces lived the ladies of the court, concubines, ladies-in-waiting and maids. Of course, the Queen was his estate, separated by corridors. In another castle was located advisers, ambassadors and all the men of the Royal court. And the possession of the king were everywhere. He also had his Palace, but most often was in the men’s yard. To get there, needed to pass all the estate.
Every step Jesse was constrained and the cowardly. Her movements were present timidity. Inside, everything was burning. This feeling seemed like a lovely girl, but nasty. Pulses were beating in his heart escaped from the breast, the whole body trembling like a leaf in the wind. The maid was now in a daze unusual, even though he knew that her lover, Mocenigo can punish. But even a death sentence from the lips of the noble English woman seemed sweet and unforgettable. A whirlwind of feelings prevailed mind and confidence. Anyway, the maid couldn’t forget the passionate kiss, beautiful, love. Jesse suddenly caught myself thinking that I’d give everything for one such touch.
Deeply immersed in their dreams, the maid did not notice how came to the study adviser. Now she had to knock and with a bow to enter the chambers of the Lord. But the place of this young girl, yielding to love the Vice, it went into a niche of the wall, and without knocking came in front of the Signor. He looked at the strange newcomer. But in his simple view was no surprise, no love, no anger, only indifference.
– Jesse – a little rough voice, Mocenigo brought the maid from the meditation.
– Your Excellency, I’m sorry, I was thinking, bowed in reverence the young maid.
«Hello, Jesse,» the Italian said in a calm tone, as if between them nothing happened last night.
– Sir, You wished to see me.
The nobleman stood up from the table, made from mahogany, and walked over to the maid: «Young lady, I would like to talk to You on a very important subject, – the face of the EA was so close to Jesse that the young woman closed her eyes, imagining how Mocenigo, takes her in his arms. Now she wanted again to feel that great feeling.
Jessie, moonlight, do not dream of what will never be.
A shiver ran over the body of an English woman. She shyly lifted up his gray eyes. – What are You?
– Do not pretend you do not understand what I’m talking about, girl. That kiss didn’t mean anything. It was only a gust. But You made a very big mistake. And for each mistake you need to be able to pay. And for your You’ll pay too.