CHAPTER 21

Every night for the past week Louis entertained Elora with a series of concerts, plays, and operas. He had delayed on such events because of the lovely spring and summer weather he enjoyed. Since it was nearly autumn his taste for evening entertainment had changed. Only the best of the best entertainers in the world played at the Versailles. Monsieur Jean Baptiste Moliére wrote several plays particularly to be performed at Versailles for the king. Tonight they were going to see the performance of The Flying Doctor, which was Moliére's first play he had written many years ago. Louis had not even seen it performed before.

Tonight they went to the opera house at the end of the north wing to see the play. Louis had his garments made to match her gold and azure gown, which pleased him greatly to show off. Every night his servant came to ask Suzanne what color Elora would be wearing. If he could not have a matching color then he would at least have a complimentary one. Appearances meant so much to him, so she did not criticize.

He was almost giddy tonight, not about their attire, but about the play. He really enjoyed Monsieur Moliére's works. He voiced his regrets more than once for not renewing the theatrical performances at Versailles before now.

Louis' excitement was making her quite excited as well. Elora was more excited to meet Monsieur Moliére than to see his play. He was like the Shakespeare of the 17th century. She wondered if he had any idea how timeless and beloved his plays would become over the years. He was a satirical genius who spoke humor as well as writing it. Though he had a mustache he was very cute. His behavior did seem slightly forced; like if Louis were not a king Monsieur Moliére would never give him the time of day. She saw this same behavior often with courtiers, never sure if Louis saw through them or not.

They took their seats on an area of the balcony closest to the stage. The play was about to begin when she noticed how far away from Louis she was. She wanted to be a little closer to him while they watched. It would be the closest thing she and Louis had to ever going out to the movies. So, very discreetly, with probably half the courtiers in attendance actually noticing, she picked the armchair up beneath her and quietly nudged over until she was arm and arm with Louis. She was used to his smile and brief shaking of the head when she did something scandalous that amused him.

When they raised the curtain everyone clapped. The play-acting was slightly different from what she was used to, but nonetheless entertaining. Flamboyant hand gestures seemed to be popular and the incredibly gaudy costumes and makeup were enough to make the comedy laughable. Louis was enjoying it immensely as well, making it quite obvious with his bellowing laughter. He could not stop laughing whenever the character pretending to be a doctor said his lines.

She was expecting an intermission at some point, there was none. By the last scene her tummy was beginning to get hungry. How Louis sensed this she knew not, it was not as if her stomach was grumbling. He did his renowned index-finger raised, wrist flick. Chocolate-dipped cherries were presented to her on a golden tray. After eating one she reached to Louis' cheek, gently turning his head toward her and gave him a loving kiss on the lips before returning her attention back to the play. He kissed her left hand and seductively caressed it until the play ended.

As entertaining as the play was her favorite part of the night was that it was spent entirely by Louis' side. Her happiness with him was overwhelming. Even the little things about him that used to annoy her she now cherished. He still every now and again said something sexist or condescending, but it did not get under her skin and make her itch to argue or correct him as it once did. Loving his faults as much as his attributes made her consider, perhaps this relationship was the one she had been waiting her whole life to find. God had truly blessed her. He sent her here and made it so Louis was the first person she met; she understood now why they were thrown together. Knowing Louis' love was a gift that inspired her to devotionally spend every spare moment of every day praising God.

As she sat in bed later in the night she wished Louis were there with her. She could hear it beginning to rain outside as she just finished reading Le Cid. She fell into sleep before putting out the candles. Beginning to dream, she saw herself in her living room with her family. They were all so happy; they were watching some action movie and snacking on junk food, like a typical Saturday night. There was so much love in the room. Then she faded away from the room like a ghost. It got cold and everyone was sad, even she felt sad though she was no longer there. She woke up in sweats in the dark, for all the candles had burnt out.

Doubts entered her mind about everything she had built here. What would her friends and family think about her getting this serious at nineteen years old? Especially attaching herself with a man who was so much older than her in so many ways. Was time going on in the future without her? Was her family missing her at this moment? Or was the time in the future non-existent? Would God ever take her away from her life here? Away from Louis? She had so many questions and no one to answer them or even give her comfort. She did not want to burden Louis, so there was no one else to tell.

The following day she went back to the opera house since it was empty to get a better look at it in the daylight. She had only been to the opera several times and it had all been within the last week and a half. The room was an acoustic triumph, considering there were no microphones available to amplify the performer's voices.

She came upon the entrance with gold cherubs on the top corners. Since it was a cloudy day the opera was dimly lit. There were four exquisite levels that God Himself must have made. The whole opera was a blue and pink theme. Everything else; the stairs, the stage, the boxes on the fourth level, the balustrades, the railings, and even statues were all of gilded mahogany. Azure carpets lined the floors and gold fleurs-de-lis decorated the walls. The great curtain was azure blue and the columns were pink marble. This opera looked as Elora had imagined of the Phantom's Opera. She twirled around on stage, imagining she was the fair Christine.

The Phantom of the Opera was the first musical her parents ever took her to into the city to see. Her mother had been the one to give her a cd of the musical and her wish had finally come true to see it live. They had left her brothers at home because they were really little then. She remembered holding her mother's hand as they walked into the theatre. She really missed them all; it did not matter how happy she was here. Why could she not have them all; her family and Louis?

Thinking she was alone, she kicked off her shoes and began to dance. She loved the feel of the floor beneath her toes as she glided across it. Spins, turns, leaps, then ended with a perfect pirouette. She did not remember how much she loved ballet, until now. Missing ballet, missing her family, even missing college; her heart became overwhelmed with sorrow.

She had given up ballet for med school. She had often wondered these past two years while pulling all-nighters studying biology and anatomy what her life could have been like if she applied to Julliard and moved to New York to pursue a career in dancing. Her life would be so different. She never would have seen Rob again after graduation and she never would have been raped. If what happened had not happened would she even be here in France right now?

Elora sniffled as she bowed to an imaginary crowd. "Thank you, thank you.–An encore? No, I couldn't possibly. I did not bring my dancing shoes with me. So sorry."

"Well, I demand an encore!" exclaimed Prince Phillipe, coming out of the shadows of the opera.

"Oh!" She quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks, as the prince began coming towards her. "How…how long have you been watching me?"

"Elora, are you upset with me?–No need to be embarrassed. You dance beautifully. You seem a woman of hidden talents. I had no idea you could dance so."

Phillipe hopped onto the stage next to her. His smooth tone was making her uncomfortable. He had been buzzing about her since she borrowed his books. She looked upon him as a friend, even though she believed he looked upon her as more. Her feelings for him were, for lack of a better word, void. As charming as he was, she knew the most they would ever be was friends.

"Ballet is poetry in motion. Using only movement, one can tell a story without ever needing to say a word. I am not at my best though. I do not practice as often now that I'm at Versailles. If you could see me in costume with a partner, with music moving us, and especially with proper shoes I could dazzle."

Phillipe moved even closer to her, silent for a few seconds. His debonair smile changed into an intense gaze. She had a bad feeling about this.

"I could not help but notice your tears. Who are you grieving? Your family?" She made no answer. "My brother told me of their unfortunate deaths. Your parents and your brothers all at once must have been very hard to bear."

"My grandmother too. Everyone I loved is gone. I'm still dealing with the hurt. I suppose I still have hope."

"Hope of what? They are all with God, are they not?"

Oops, she slipped up again. This guy got her really loose lipped and she could not understand why. He must have been a lawyer in another life. "Well, yes they are. I just sometimes wish one morning I will wake up and they will be here. I'll always remember them; that's the problem."

"Both of my parents have gone to heaven many years ago and I still mourn them. There is nothing to be done. You will always remember. Special moments in one's life are never forgotten." Philippe circled around her and stopped with his mouth to her ear. She could feel his breath against her face. He whispered, "For instance, I will always remember you this way here today. I will remember your sweet temperament; a face of Aphrodite, a soul of a saint. I will remember how your dress fits over your curves." He brought his hands up and down her waist. "The way your glowing hair falls upon your bare shoulders." She was falling quickly into his trap. Why did she choose to wear an off the shoulder dress today?

She drew a sharp breath. "You know Louis and I are…"

Philippe placed a single finger over her mouth. "Forget about Louis."

He immediately pressed his lips to hers, but she pushed him off her and stumbled backwards. "Philippe, I won't do this to Louis."

He turned his head away with fury in his eyes. "My brother trusts and loves no one. He may appear the faithful lover now, but assure you a licentious man such as Louis does not change."

First picking up her shoes, she started walking off stage. "It's not just about Louis. I don't want you to kiss me. I don't even want to you think of me that way. I'm in love with someone else…your brother."

He stopped her, kissed her hand and bowed. "Philippe, I don't know your motives for doing this, but you better stop or I'll tell Louis."

"There was no motive behind that kiss." His arms dropped down to his side in frustration. "I care for you, you were looking very beautiful, you had the aroma of a summer morning, your heart was heavy; all of which compelled me to kiss you. I may not know you as well as some, but we have time for that. If you would only open up to me. If you would only take the chance to get to know me."

"That was nice of you, but still inappropriate. With time we will get to know each other better, but not if you keep doing and saying things like that. Please let's keep our friendship on a platonic level because my heart belongs to another."

"You leave me no choice."

"Friends?" She held out her hand and he shook it.

"Yes," he said finally and she hoped it was sincere.

She nodded her head and ran to her room.

Seeing Louis two other times that day she was unable to admit to him what had happened in the opera. Being honest with him was the right thing to do, but she knew it would only cause him grief. She knew he would never doubt her affection for him, but perhaps he would lash out at Philippe. Those two were teetering between civility for the public's sake and total abhorrence for one another. The only thing they seemed to have in common was their love for France.

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King Louis summoned Colbert to his council room. He had decided on the day of the Roux Ball the extra grain being held for the soldiers was to be distributed to the poor of Versailles. It was to be announced as a gift from the king in honor of the Comtesse de Valréas. Le Tellier already knew, but it was Colbert who posed the greatest opposition. He knew Colbert would not be pleased, which is why he chose to tell him in the private before he announced it to his entire council.

Colbert was shocked to such extreme he was speechless for at least a minute. "This is not like the king I knew. Can you not see that she has turned your head? You cannot be weak and fruitfully rule a country."

"Elora has not altered my judgment in ruling my kingdom. The only reason you have the notion I am weak is because I do not dally with scores of ladies any longer."

"I am pleased you are not going through as many mistresses as your have been accustomed to. I am even more pleased this mistress, however unsuitable as she is, has not put the crown into dept with vain luxuries. I am most displeased with the tongue of this girl. Her words stir people, which is a dangerous talent she possesses. She refused a betrothal to the Duc de Chartres to become your mistress. This worries me further. We must be cautious of her motives and wary of her ambitions. You listen to her counsel too often. She influences you more than I am comfortable with."

"Elora has no material ambitions, I assure you. Colbert, stop this paranoia. There is no conspiracy against the crown. I am in love, can you not be just as joyful as I?"

"Your Majesty, one of us must be the rational one through this. I will continue to keep your best interest in mind. You must allow me to be this way.–I do not like to remind you so often of things, but have you forgotten about the treaty with Austria? That should be a priority in your mind. You know what is at stake. Elora Roux is known to have a liberal mind, but I do not believe she will be understanding of this. Have you told your beloved mistress of the treaty yet?"

Louis hated this treaty. It was all Colbert's idea. At first it had seemed a tolerable idea, but now, oh no. He had not thought about it in months and wished Colbert had not brought it up today. He was running out of time. He was going to lose Elora, it was only time.

"No and there is no reason for Elora to find out. Am I being clear?"

"Yes, Your Majesty.–Whatever happened to my king's audacity the last time we spoke of Elora Roux? She seems to have conquered you after all."

Colbert picked up a lock of red hair tied with a purple ribbon from his desk, holding it up to his as proof. He snatched the curly lock from him; his anger was not masked.

"If she has, it is not your place to make me look a fool!"

"I apologize, Your Majesty. My tongue rattles on insolently.–But if you do not mind me saying, I think this girl believes herself to be the equal of a man."

"Oh no, not equal of a man.–Elora believes herself the equal of a king." He stared intently, smiling as he twirled Elora's hair in his hand. She had cut it for him just the other day upon his request. He wanted a reminder of her with him always.

Colbert could only nod. "My king there is something I must tell you. I beg you forgive me for not telling you immediately yesterday."

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Louis summoned Elora to the Council Room in the early morning after speaking with Colbert. He could not go on with the day without seeing her. His insides burned as he waited for the knock at the door.

The knock finally came. She casually walked in wearing a beguiling red silk gown. Her straight hair was not yet done up and hung loosely down her back. He must have woken her with his summons. There was no mark of treachery on her. Her heart was guiltless. She was a stranger to him. His fixed glare stopped her at the doorway.

"Louis, are you all right? I never see you in the morning. You look so pale. Are you sick?"

She began to approach him, but Colbert came from behind, pulling her to a halt. She was obviously startled, having not seen him standing in the corner when she entered.

"You shall not approach His Majesty unless he bids you to do so. You have disgraced and humiliated him enough!" Colbert shrieked. "Get on your knees and beg for his mercy!" He pushed her down by the shoulders, but she resisted.

"Don't touch me!" Elora shrieked back at him. "I kneel for no king! But if Louis wants me to kneel he has only to ask."

They both looked to him. How sassy she was even now. He nodded his head and she willingly kneeled. Disappointment was written all over her face.

"Now that I've done what you wanted will you please tell what the hell is going on? Have I done something wrong? Why is he here?" She pointed to Colbert.

"Here stands your accuser, Elora. I would like to hear your defense."

"How can I defend myself if I don't know what he's blaming me for? You're humiliating me by making me kneel. Now tell me what this is about!"

"How dare you make demands and raise your voice to His Majesty! There is no use lying. I know what you have done! You have succumbed to clandestine encounters with the prince and given yourself to him."

"What…with Philippe?"

His name popped out with a chuckle. Her hand flew to her chest as she breathed a relieved sigh. She stood with a smile on her face. He thanked God she had an explanation, but he only hoped it was a truthful one.

No longer capable of kneeling any longer, she stood. "Colbert, what would make you think I've had sex with Philippe?" she laughed.

Louis still did not find this as humorous as she did. He knew neither of these two, who he trusted greatly would lie to him. Yet Colbert despised Elora and Elora was overly friendly with Philippe, both equal motivators to lie.

"You do not seem to understand how treasonous this offense to the king is. I saw you both in the opera house," Colbert's eyes bulged."Kissing!"

"Someone ought to explain the facts of life to you again. You're obviously quite naïve about making love if you think a kiss automatically means I've had sex with Philippe." She turned to him, rolling her eyes. No longer bothering with Colbert, she looked to him with a certain stare saying, "Anyhow, he kissed me!"

"See, Your Majesty, she admits to it! She is a whore."

Elora temper flared at that insult. "Listen here, asshole! Maybe if you had stayed a bit longer while you were spying on me you would have seen that after that split-second kiss I not only pushed him away, but I also made it very clear to him that I have no interest in him and I'm in a steady relationship with Louis." She picked up her skirts and stomped up to Colbert's face. "And you know what, I don't care what you think you saw or what you think about me. Whatever's happened is none of your business. Stop looking for trouble!"

In one swift move Colbert struck her right across the face with the back of his hand. It was such a blow, taken with such surprise, it knocked her to the ground. The back of her head slammed into the side of a nearby chair. Her eyes closed for a moment, looking as if she might pass out.

"How dare you talk back to me, you wench? You are just a common, sinful woman."

As Colbert was about to kick her she rolled away, curling into a ball. "Noooooo!" she shrieked.

Louis stepped between them. "That is enough, Colbert!"

He should have seen such an outburst as this occurring. Elora and Colbert had such extremely differing temperaments they should never be in close range of one another. The man simply could not keep his temper in check and Elora would never understand her place as a woman here.

"You are treading on thin ice, Colbert. A man of honor does not strike a woman. Especially a woman in the king's favor."

"She does not know her place." Colbert crossed his arms, still looking very angry, but not attempting to assault her again.

"It is not your place to teach her. I have always wanted Elora to speak her mind. I do not believe the accusations you have against her. She would never consciously shame me; particularly with Philippe.–Now leave my chateau at once until I send for you."

Once Colbert was out of sight and the door was slammed shut Elora began to quietly weep and would not stop. He fell to his knees to calm her. He stroked her arm, but she shuttered at his touch. He should have pacified Colbert sooner. He had just stood by waiting until he physically attacked Elora before he stepped in. What must she be thinking at this moment? He could lose her from this.

He hurried to the door and sent for the physician. When he returned to her she had sat herself up in the chair. Her hand was pressed to her head, while the other hand wiped the blood off her cheek, making a smear of blood across her face. Colbert's ring must have cut her a bit just below the eye.

"I promise, that will never happen again. Do not cry, my love." He gave her his silk handkerchief.

"Louis, I'm so sorry I was not the first to tell you."

"You are forgiven as long as you forgive me." He kneeled at her feet, resting his head on her lap.

"For what?"

"For not putting a stop to this the moment Colbert told me of it. I understand why Philippe is amorous of you. Who could resist your beauty and your spirit? The Duc de Chartres saw in you what we have both seen. But now you are mine, so it is not only your responsibility to ward off men, but mine too. All I ask of you is what you have asked of me…faithfulness." He took her hand in his, kissing her palm and the tips of each finger.

He moved her hand away from her reddened cheek and lightly touched it. She would certainly bruise from this. His fury fled toward his trusted advisor, Colbert. He would pay dearly for this.

"Louis, I didn't want him to kiss me. He forced it on me. One minute I was alone and the next he was beside me on the stage. He took unfair advantage of a moment where I was caught up in grief. It was wrong of me to stay there letting him speak to me the way he did. I have no excuse for that. When he forced that kiss on me I swear I didn't kiss him back. I had already pushed him off me so quick before he had a chance to make of moment of it. I almost decked him and I would have if he had persisted."

"I believe you. I almost wish you would have struck him. He deserved it. Nothing amuses my brother more than trying to take what's mine."

"So he has done this before?"

"Not with a woman.–You must have heard the stories about it by now…it happened five years ago. Philippe allied with the Huguenots, filled the streets with propaganda, and threatened to overthrow me. My council concealed the matter as much as possible, but the people still knew. What he has done with you is worse, by far."

"So you think he likes me just because I'm something of yours he would like to take?–You know, I think you two have a lot of unresolved issues from childhood. I wish there were therapists here to straighten you out."

"I need you not to be alone with him again and keep conversation to a minimum while in public."

"Louis, you don't have to trust him. You have plenty of reasons not to and from some of the things I've heard him say, reading between the lines, I think he is still not to be entirely trusted. I have to say though, we all live in the same house. We can't avoid each other. Philippe has always been kind to me and I'm sure he would never hurt me. If he hits on me again I'll sock him, but I don't think that will happen. He seems to understand my feelings for you much better now. I enjoy his conversation and his friendship. I will not stop talking with him, but I will avoid being alone with him without a chaperone present."

"I appreciate that at least. I understand your reasons for trying to downplay this and move on, but I cannot just yet. Understand my reasons why I must speak with Philippe about this today."

"I thought you would say that. Try not to be too hard on him. I think he is trying to be a good person and a good brother. I'd like to still have him as a friend after this is settled."

Doctor Dubuque entered just then. He said no word, but looked to him after glancing at the condition of Elora's face. She smiled. This was an awkward situation.

"Do not worry, Doctor. This was not His Majesty's handy-work. It was just a misunderstanding between another courtier and myself."

He approached, pulling certain things from his medicine bag. He wiped clean the scratch, which had by now ceased bleeding. He was most concerned with the bump on her head. It had grown quite large and was very tender. He sent for a cold compress immediately. The doctor assured him she would be fine.

"Now that I'm patched up I'd like to go back to my room and lie down. My head is aching."

"I will accompany you."

He wanted to carry her, but she insisted on walking. She took his hand and wrapped it around her waist as they walked. He held her tightly feeling very protective of his injured love. She sat on her bed with him beside her.

"Elora, did he really kiss you?"

"Yes, but I felt nothing. It was nothing to what I feel when you kiss me."

"What is that?" he asked in a whisper.

"When you kiss me it's like there is only the two of us. That I have nothing to fear nor want, as long as we're together." She wrapped her arms about him and softly kissed him on the mouth. "It feels like we're in heaven."

"I do so wish I could have prevented Colbert from striking out at you. You do know I would never have any harm come to you, no matter the circumstance.–I gladly would have taken the blow."

"I know, Louis." She reached her hand out and touched his cheek gently. In a soft, whispered sigh she said, "I love you, you know."

Louis was not sure he heard correctly. He looked at her unsurely for a moment, but then she smiled shyly and he knew he had heard her correctly. He kissed her in all his excitement. They laughed a bit as they embraced. Many women had said they loved him, but Elora was the only one whose feelings ever meant anything. This was not lighthearted love, this was true, lifelong love.

"Say it once again."

"I have lost my heart to you, Louis.–I'm hopelessly in love with you. Oh, so very in love.–I've known for a while, but I was waiting for the right moment to tell you."

He gently glided her down on the bed, sweetly smothering her with kisses. His hands moved over her. He could sense her body begin heating up, responding to his desire. He pressed her closer to him and by accident his hand moved across the bump on her head.

She gasped slightly from the apparent pain he must have caused her. She pulled her mouth away from his, obviously realizing where this moment was leading. "Louis, I can't do this. Please get off me."

He immediately moved beside her, honoring her decision. He did not want her thoughts to move to the night she was raped. "I apologize, I became carried away in emotion." Seeing her tousled hair and touching her soft skin further excited him, even as he apologized.

"That's sweet, but it would be wrong if we went on. I know it's a cliché, but I want to wait until I'm married. I love you, but sex is a big deal and I've only ever wanted to share that part of myself with one person."

But did she not want that one person to be him? "I understand, my love. That one person should be your husband." His heart hurt with that biting concession. "I will press you no further, even though it is extremely arduous. You are too damned beautiful!"

She made a pleased sigh from his flattering remark.

Only moments later he was called away by his officers. They confessed their love for each other once again and kissed one last time before he left her bedchamber. He had forgotten he was supposed to meet with the Ambassador from Algiers today. He believed it was about some trade agreement. The man was very odd. He was not Christian and had a very queer heathen name. He refused to live at his beautiful Versailles chateau as was custom with all ambassadors, rather he insisted on keeping house in Paris. His defense was his customs and traditions forbid him to take house in a Christian's home. Louis quickly bid his beloved mistress goodbye and went back to his chambers to meet with the ambassador.