Present Day
The day had finally dawned of my twenty first birthday and that meant that Rochefort would decide my fate. Would I be killed or be given to someone else to live out my days as a servant? I tried not to worry as I completed my morning chores. I was actually grateful for a lighter work load than the other servants. He even made an exception and taught me how to sword fight and it was no surprise that I picked up quickly.
It was just after one when Rochefort came to me and gave me a beautiful dress. "Yasmina put this on and hurry. We are going to the palace" he told me as I took the dress. I left the room and changed from the top and skirt I had been wearing. Once I was dressed, I came outside and he mounted his own horse while I mounted a beautiful black stallion.
As we rode to the palace, I was nervous about what he had in mind. We soon came to the palace and put our horses in the stable. "Come my dear girl, there's someone you should meet" he told me as we dismounted our horses and hurried inside. I suddenly realized where we were and I became even more nervous than I had ever felt before. I couldn't believe I was in the castle of the King of France. "I trust you have been practicing your curtsy, haven't you Yasmina" Rochefort asked as we stopped in front of a grand staircase.
"Yes sir" I answered, showing him a perfect curtsy. "Good child" he said with a smile as the sentry announced "His majesty, King Louis XIII!" Immediately, I curtsied again as Rochefort knelt. "Rise you two and Rochefort, why have you called upon me today when you and all of the servants know I have a deadline to choose a wife" Louis asked.
"That's why I am here" Rochefort answered, indicating me Louis' gaze turned to me and he asked "Your name my dear?" "Yasmina" I answered. "My my, an extremely beautiful and you are a Gascon, am I correct" he asked. "Yes your majesty" I answered shyly. "Modest, beautiful, and perfect; Yasmina, will you become my wife" Louis asked.
For a moment, I was shocked but I replied "I accept your majesty". Louis kissed my hands and looked at Rochefort and thanked him before turning to me. "This time next month Yasmina, you shall be my wife and the people shall call you queen. Tomorrow night, we shall introduce you at our engagement party. Come my darling, we have so much to do and so little time" he told me softly. I followed him around, meeting all the servants, the seamstress who would make all my dresses, and my ladies in waiting. Both of them were just near my age and their names were Constance and Kitty.
Constance and Kitty both followed me dutifully and helped me learn the ins and outs of the castle when Louis had to excuse himself to a meeting with the other nobles. Kitty then had to excuse herself back to the kitchen after awhile. Constance showed me a secret balcony where I could come to be alone if I wished. We watched the changing of the guards and I met the leader of the guards, a soldier named Jusac.
Later that evening after supper, I was in my private chambers, out on the balcony. "May we get you anything before we retire Yasmina" Constance asked. "No thank you Constance and Kitty. Have a pleasant night" I replied. They both curtsied and left the room. I walked back out on to the balcony and prayed in my head 'Thank you heavenly father for your blessings these last seven years. Still, I only ask one thing: to see D'Artagnan and my parents once again. Help me too to become a dutiful wife as I enter the holy alliance I will make in a month's time, amen.' I finally walked back into my room, took off my robe, and went to sleep for the night.
As soon as the sun rose, I was up and dressed and headed down to breakfast. After breakfast, I went outside with Constance and Kitty to oversee preparations for tonight's engagement party in the gardens. All was finished around two and then I had a late luncheon before meeting with the seamstress to see my dress for tonight. I don't think I had ever been so busy and there was still the wedding to look forward to. I had no clue what would come my way soon.