Элайн Нексли - Captive mistress. English-language novels

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.

– 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.