The Winter Lady
Come sundown, the palace turned into a mysterious maze of darkness and light. Once the candelabras were aglow with a myriad of candles, their golden shine would reflect off the mirrors, the gilded details on the picture frames, paintings, furniture, even from the lush fabrics and the colorful frescos. But the shadows would become more pronounced, as well, spreading along the corridors, hiding around corners and throwing statues into such stark relief that one might expect them to move at any moment. Even though everything here was dedicated to the glorification of the King and his reign, in these moments the rooms and hallways breathed a different life altogether. Even though there were people everywhere, servants, guards, courtiers, this hour belonged to twilight, to ghosts and fantasies and to memories from the past.
Rustling of fabric like the whisper of wind in the trees, footfalls ringing on the marble like the chime of faraway bells, the glimmer of pearls and precious stones, silouettes swathed in silk and lace ephemeral like smoke, the ladies of the court moved like visions themselves as they glided towards the Dauphin's chambers.
The royal offspring accepted their deep courtseys with practiced grace. In equally well practiced and graceful movements, their order and every detail dictated by court ritual, the women assisted the little boy in preparing for bed. Dark curls were carefully kempt, rosy skin caressed with soft cloth dabbed in warm, scented water. When finally, the Dauphin was sitting in the large bed, propped up against lushious cushions, a sound disturbed the silence that had no place in the ritual. A door,opening and closing. Another arrival.
The ladies immediately dropped a deep courtsey and the little boy also gravely bowed his head.
"Madame." His voice sounded so small. So serious.
Queen Anne in turn indicated a little bow of the head, then waved at the Ladies.
"Leave us."
When the door closed again, a radiant smile lit the Dauphin's features "Maman!" He extended his arms, but they did nothing to shorten the distance the enormous bed put between the little boy and his mother. It was Anne of Austria who came to his side in a second, neither caring about nor hindered by the expanse of her skirts and only content once she had him in her arms. The boy snuggled up to her in a deeply familiar gesture. This wasn't the first time Anne had visited her son like this and even though some members of court may have wrinkled their noses at this breach of etiquette, she was the Queen and frankly, couldn't care less. This was her son, after all, and she was allowed precious little time with him in any case.
"Did you have a nice day, Louis?" She asked, planting a kiss on the soft raven hair.
The Dauphin nodded enthusiastically "I got to ride again. I've improved a lot!"
"I bet you have."... a dashing figure on a horse black as night and swift as the wind, dark eyes sparkling with love and mischief... Queen Anne smiled "You'll be an accomplished horseman, soon enough, just like your father."
"I can't wait until father gives me a proper horse to ride..." The boy pouted a little "I like Caramel well enough, but she has no spirit."
At this, the Queen laughed " Louis, you're six years old! Have a little patience with yourself and that poor little pony." She ruffled his hair afectionately "Don't try to run..."
"...before you can walk." They finished in unison and Louis giggled until a large yawn interrupted the merriment.
"Will you tell me a story, Maman?" His eyes were shining expectantly, but betrayed his weariness as well.
"Of course, mon trésor! But first, we must get you settled in properly." The Queen removed the large cushions and tucked her son in before she moved to his side again.
"What shall it be?"
"A story about the King of the Sun and his brave knights!"
Of course. His favourite.
Anne planted another kiss on her son's head and took a moment to ponder, before she began.
Night had fallen properly, now, and outside the window, darkness prevailed. Only the light of the stars made the snow stand out with a little glint and glimmer. Yes. This is the perfect story for a night like this.
"Once upon a time, in a kingdom far,far away, there ruled a wise King, as powerful and radiant as the Sun in the sky."
Little Louis was mouthing the words along with his mother, the realm of the story quite familiar to him.
" He was just and merciful to those who upheld his law, but unforgiving and dangerous to those who broke it and meant harm to his subjects. At his side loyally stood a band of Knights, brilliant and brave, shining like the stars in the night sky. This is the story of one of these courageous knights and how his heart was stolen and turned to Ice by the Winter Lady."
Louis looked up at his mother, mesmerized. This was a story he hadn't heard before.
"Does it have a happy ending?" he asked, a little timidly, for he adored the Knights and always rooted for them when Anne told their stories.
The Queen hesitated.
... adventures and war...brave deeds and horrendous betrayal...so much of it centered around the King, like planets moving, unfailingly, catastrophically along their trajectories around a blindingly bright sun... drawn to power, seduced by it, willing to sacrifice everything, anything, anybody to attain it...what did all that make of them, do to them...how cold and strong did a heart have to be to brave the turmoils of a life like this and how deep must their love have been to try and safe their brother, time and time again...until the very end...
"Maman?"
"I am sorry, Louis, I was distracted for a moment. What was it you asked?"
"I asked if the story about the Knight and the Winter Lady had a happy ending."
"I'm afraid not all stories do, my son. But we always learn from them." Anne kissed his head again
"And we never forget."
The End
Disclaimer: I do not own the Musketeers, even if they're just implied. Neither do I own Queen Anne and the Dauphin, they're Royalty, after all.
Author's Note:
This is my Entry for the "Fête des Mousquetaires" December's challenge. I was unsure whether to write out more of the fairytale or not so I've added a second chapter containing it.
Please continue to hear Queen Anne tell the tale of "The Winter Lady" in more and darker detail.
If you like it the way it is, here's where I wish you Merry Holidays and a Happy New Year.
*scurries off to up the rating on this*