23

CHAPTER 37

Thérèse and Cesaire's wedding was fast approaching. Thérèse had asked Elora if she could possibly be her matron of honor, since the wedding would be held in Versailles Chapel. She was thrilled to be asked and agreed immediately. Though it was not custom for the queen to be in such a subservient position, but Elora would have it no other way. She broke customs all the time.

She smiled when Louis surprised her with a new gown for the occasion. It was a lovely gray and pink gown, trimmed with ermine. The pink underskirt had a winter design and was sprinkled with small pink sapphires. Louis had also given her a pink sapphire necklace and dangly earrings. She had wondered if he would continue being so generous to her after they were married; now she knew.

When the wedding day came she was early to rise. She headed for the Morlaix's chambers. Thérèse was already awake, with her mother buzzing about ordering servants around for this and that. The bride was glowing in her happiness. Elora assisted the servant arranging Thérèse's hair by handing her the pearl pins. Her beautiful gown was light blue and white, heavily embroidered in an Italian design. Her veiled cap was resplendent. She thought the lacework was finer than hers had been. She looked just like the princess she was. Elora was so pleased she could call her family.

The bride's party walked down the halls to the chapel. Louis was there on a raised dais sitting on his golden throne. When the music began Elora hugged her and then fixed the lovely blue gown she had inadvertently crumpled.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and the celebration afterwards was full of merriment. Louis made a very moving speech, which could not have pleased Cesaire more. He was always one to crave the king's attention. They danced and danced through the night, even after the newlyweds had left Versailles.

The couple left for Cesaire's estate in the country that evening after the celebration. She hated losing Thérèse to the countryside, but she was happy she was finally married.

ooOoo

As queen, Elora could categorize her duties into three parts. The first were affairs of state, which involved summits and discourses. The second were social affairs with the high standing of France. She tried to send out proxies for the undesirable affairs. The third were proceedings for the people of France, which she enjoyed, but often made her feel exasperated. She loved reaching out to the impoverished. There were assemblies that she organized allowing the people discuss their thoughts for a better life. She helped in arranging food drives through all the major cities.

In February, there came word of a serious epidemic of pertussis that was spreading throughout Paris, mainly attacking children. Of course the French referred to it as coqueluche; in English-laymen's terms it was whooping cough.

Her heart was pulled to help these children. She knew she became aware of this breakout for a reason. God had just called her. She remembered her Uncle Jimmy who died of a heart attack at the Roux family cookout. He was only forty and she saw the life drain from his face as they waited for the ambulance to arrive. When he went unconscious everyone was panicking. No one there knew CPR; nobody did anything to help him. She loved him so much. He used to take her out to the movies every Friday night. Even when her brothers were old enough, it was still just the two of them. She was his favorite, she always knew, even though he never said it. Then he died. When the EMT's got there it was too late; they could not revive him. Her dear uncle was gone. She was ten years old and knew not how to help him. That was the day, no, the moment, she knew she wanted to become a doctor.

Somehow, over the past months, consumed in Louis' love she had tried to ignore her calling. She was now a queen, but she was a doctor at heart. She could not ignore the unspoken plea for help from her people. She had never felt so empowered with usefulness here.

The ideas on what could be done in the quarantined area consumed her thoughts. She had so many ideas come to her at once she could not focus her attention on anything else. She excused herself to her chambers, quickly skipping out early from afternoon assembly. She got a pile of paper at her desk and began to write.

She waited to speak to Louis until that night when she would be in the privacy of their chambers. She knew by now what was appropriate for the queen to speak in a public area and what conversation was meant for the bedchamber. She knew for certain what she was about to tell Louis would greatly upset him, but it did not discourage her. She was sure he would understand.

ooOoo

Louis walked to his bedchamber, fantasizing about what lovely nightdress his wife would be wearing tonight, knowing she would be anxiously awaiting him. Since their marriage she had designed her own sleepwear with the couturière, which she told him were the popular lingerie styles in her time. The doors were opened for him. He saw Elora lying on her stomach on the bed scribbling away on parchment. Her breasts were shamelessly protruding from her black, sleeveless, satin nightdress, which barely reached her knees, revealing her long, sleek legs.

She looked up almost immediately with a sparkling smile. She got off the bed and ran into his arms. There was little need for her to have gotten off the bed, for he would have her back there soon enough, but he still welcomed her embrace and soft kiss.

He took her by the hand and led her toward the bed, but she stopped after several steps. Her serious upward glance told him she had something important to speak about and it would certainly interrupt his plans for the night with her.

"Louis, you aren't going to be happy about this, but it's something I have to do. I've put in a lot of thought before speaking to you about it." She caressed his cheek. "I must go to Paris."

"But why? There is only sickness there now."

She nodded. "Which is exactly why I go."

Now realizing what Elora was saying, his protective disposition took control. "Looking after hundreds of peasants dying of coqueluche is not the same as caring for a king with a chest cold. Elora you are not a physician."

Not seeming to care about his opinion, she clasped his hand between hers. "I know that, but they need me. I can help."

"You are queen now and your place is by my side. I will not allow you to go to Paris and kill yourself!"

"Louis, I was vaccinated against pertussis when I was young. They did a titer on me just last year. I won't ever get it; I'm immune."

"I care not about your futuristic medicines. You cannot go. I will not chance losing you!" He pulled her into his arms. "It is only your pride which pushes you to defy me. You can help by sending orders to the physicians in Paris, enabling you to stay here and remain safe."

"Louis, this is bigger than you and me." She sighed, but it only made him angrier that she still persisted after he had given a stern answer. "I knew when I was crowned queen, like you, I was sacrificing my life for France and her people. When God sent me here I initially thought it was just because of what Rob did to me. Then as I fell in love with you I thought I was here was to be your companion. Then we were married and I thought maybe God wants me to help you rule this kingdom. Perhaps it was for all of these reasons or maybe it was something more important that has gone by us unnoticed. This much I know; when the messenger's dire news touched my ears today I knew it was God's will for me to go to Paris. It stirred my heart, as if an angel had whispered it into my ear."

"Those peasants are filthy, Elora. Who knows what else they have become sick with? What if you die? I cannot lose you."

"If God decides my life is to end, then it will end and I will have died with a clear conscious having ministered to the sick under His will."

"So you would rather go there to die a martyr, than stay here safe within my arms for a full and happy life?"

"I have faith that God will deliver me through this trial he has set before me. Esther was tested as I am now. And you know what she said when faced with death; 'If I perish, I perish.' Her faith saved her from almost certain death." As he still held her close to him, she reached up and caressed his face, sifting her other hand through his loose-hanging hair. "Please Louis, share in the faith I have."

"I cannot. I love you too much to risk losing you, no matter how small the risk. This my final word on the matter. You will not be going to Paris."

She pushed herself out of his embrace. "Louis, you don't understand." Her voice began to rise in anger. "I was not asking for your permission, nor will I have you commanding me against what I've chosen to do. You cannot force me to stay, I am queen."

"Yes, you are queen, Elora…and as such you are second only to me! And I say you will not go!"

"Then I will have to turn to threats. You are going to see me make such a scene in front of all your courtiers that it will be written in history. Picture this; I'm sitting at dinner and I stand up, demand silence and tell the entire court my story of how I came to France. Then what do think will happen? What will be my fate then?"

"No, that would be seen as blasphemy! I would not be able to protect you from the church!"

"Then let me go and I will be back in a few weeks, no worse for the ware, and we can go on as we were."

"No!" he thundered.

She looked on him with scorn and disappointment, as the tears fell from her eyes. She pulled open the door and ran from the room, not looking back.

He could not wait until morning to see her. He had to go to her now. He took with him her robe and followed her to her bedchamber. Yet when he entered the servants were frightened when telling him that the queen was not there. So now he had to go in search of her. She had to still be in the chateau, but where could she be. As he walked hurriedly down the Hall of Mirrors a guard that stepped forward from his place. Louis gave him permission to speak.

"If it is the queen you seek, Majesty, then I have been ordered by the queen not to say where she is."

"Where is she?"

"She hurried toward the opera and up the stairs." He pointed in the general direction.

That was all he needed to know, though he knew not what her purpose was in going to the attics. Quietly, he climbed the stairs after her.

Her ideas jumped from impulsive to insane so quickly. Did she want to visit Paris, with its death and decay, so badly that she would risk all she had gained for herself here? Confessing to the world her secret would be disastrous to all. He would have her locked in her chambers for solitary confinement until the pestilence had retreated. Though he doubted she would stand for that. He hated such an idea, but if it ensured she would be kept safe from herself then he would go to such a length.

He had never traveled up to the storage room himself. There was never the need. He saw one of his guards adjusting his uniform in the dark. "What business have you here?" Louis demanded. It was then the guard turned and his face became clear. "Elora Roux! What the devil?"

She would not speak to him, but continued to button the doublet.

"Is this your best means of escaping?" He had to admit it was a superb idea.

"Well, it was."

She picked up the sword lying on a chair. It was then he noticed the strange organization of the storage room. It was arranged in such a way, which made it look livable. Furniture was not covered, things were not piled, and the floors were dust free. This was Elora's doing. She had been coming here for a while and could guess for exactly how long. In the summer months, when she was always disappearing without a trace, he predicted this was where she was. If she had asked for her own sitting room he would have granted her one long ago. A queen should not be up here amongst the unwanted furnishings of the chateau.

At moments such as these he almost felt that he had done her a disservice marrying her. Encouraging her love at the beginning, proposing, marrying, making her queen all drove her away from her one dream she had in her life. Whether she remained in this time or not he could never fulfill her completely in the way she needed. Elora knew all of this when she married him and still she did not falter. Her single sacrifice contained more conviction than his entire life's worth. Knowing this how could he ever deny her anything again? He could only love her more for this.

He stopped her from lacing the boots. "This has been a rough beginning to our marriage these past few months. Every time we think things are going well disagreement commences. We need to attempt to work through our differences another way. I will take that next step.–Do you love me?" he asked, reaching his hand out for her.

"Yes," came her whisper, as she took his hand. "Of course."

"Then promise me now you will never tell anyone else about your origins. You know how much that frightens me."

She blinked twice before saying, "I promise."

"Then," he paused, despising what he was about to say. "Go with God to Paris, with my blessing. You must promise me you will return."

"I promise you. Thank you for understanding my reasons and respecting my needs."

He had not realized until she had mentioned the biblical queen, Esther, how much she was like her. God had sent Elora to his court as Esther was to the Persian king. He had showered her with all the niceties he could offer, yet she remained unselfish of his material world, thinking only of God. She won his heart and married a king. She became queen and now God was calling her to save her people. She was exactly like Queen Esther, whether she really knew it or not. God had been with Esther as she faced the most terrifying trial of her life and she survived. Elora would deserve no less attention from Him.

He now understood how much he had truly overreacted. His ignorance had hurt her, yet she forgave him without a second thought. He kissed her, lowering her down to the cushions. They made love right there on the old sofa, in the little attic room. Then he carried her back to his chambers and made love to her again.

ooOoo

King and queen spent the morning in solitude in the council room making all the arrangements for her incognito journey to Paris. No one save Doctor Dubuque and d'Artagnan, whom would accompany her, would know her true identity. Louis was explicit that she was to reveal herself to no one. They decided on alias name for her that was her mother's maiden name: Madame Marcotte.

Chris would depart Versailles with them under the pretense of them all leaving to visit Thérèse and Cesaire in Lucé. Of course they were not even traveling in same direction, so at the crossroads on the outskirts of Versailles they would part ways. d'Artagnan was to accompany her out of uniform and was given strict orders to remain by her side at all times. He was the only one of the royal guard to accompany her, per Elora's demand. Louis had his reservations since the whole intended murder, kidnapping debacle, but understood it would not be practical and hardly a secretive visit with all those guards around.

During her tenure in Paris Louis desired her to reside at Louvre, but she felt she would need to be in a residence closer, if not in the quarantined quarter. Documents were prepared and marked with the seal of the king and the queen, granting Elora to take complete charge of the quarantined quarter in Paris.

She left the next day with pomp and circumstance. The whole court watched as she bid farewell to Louis. Though he merely appeared disappointed to see her go, she could see the anxious worry in his eyes. She had better not get sick or he would be devastated.

He made her promise to return in a week's time, but she was not so certain such a promise could be kept. She would survey the damage in Paris first before writing to Louis to extend her trip. With such an audience a chaste kiss was all she had before she entered the carriage.

Though Chris had agreed yesterday to assist in the charade he was no less happy about it than Louis. At the crossroads, he dismounted from his horse and she joined him outside the carriage.

Chris shook his head at her. "You must be insane."

"I'll be okay."

"I do this only because it is the king's command. If you were my wife this is as close to Paris as I would let you go."

"I'm glad I turned down your proposal then. Don't criticize Louis too harshly. I was going whether he let me or not. He just made my going easier and safer."

"You are not as strong as you think you are, Elora."

"I told you I'm immune to pertussis."

"Please take care not to become ill." His deep concern resonated in his voice. He took her hand and kissed it.

"I will do my very best to stay healthy for everyone. Chris, when will you return to Versailles?"

"Not for some time. I visit with Therese and Cesaire for a few weeks, then I will have plenty to consume me at Chartres."

"Will you return in time for my birthday in April?"

"It is not likely."

"Oh," she cried and pulled him into her arms for a brief hug. "So we won't meet again for a few months. You won't forget to write me."

"Elora, I–" He looked so very much as if he were going to confess his feelings, so she stopped him. "I know," she said. "I love you too. I'm so glad to be part of your family."

He took a deep breath and remounted his horse. "As am I. Fare thee well, Elora Roux."

She watched Chris ride off, with a sad feeling in her heart. She truly liked that man. d'Artagnan cleared his throat. She looked to him, still on his steed behind the carriage. "Shall we press you, your majesty?" So she got back into the carriage and they continued on to Paris.

Sitting with Dubuque in the carriage for several hours was going to be tense to say the least. "Your Majesty, I cannot say I do not have the same reservations as his grace. Perhaps we should use this time to discuss your exact intentions before we step into Paris."

"Of course.–I know you think I have no right to intervene, but I am glad you are here with me."

"What makes you so confident you can be helpful to these sick?"

She took a deep breath before answering, hoping she was not going to regret her decision. If she could not discuss it with Dubuque, who was familiar with her, how would she handle all the strangers she needed to convince? "I feel my knowledge of things will be beneficial. I have studied this disease. I am good at observing what others overlook."

"Such as?"

"Don't worry I'll have plenty of things to say once I get a look at what we're dealing with in Paris."

Entering into the quarantined quarter was a bit like entering into a concentration camp. The streets between buildings were blocked off with high, wooden fencing. There were stakes at the top of giving the appearance of medieval battlement. Guards were at the gates making it all very intimidating. The driver handed the guards the king's order and they proceeded through without trouble. The roads smelled like sewage and people in the streets were scarce.

After settling into the evacuated magistrate's manor, they prepared to go to the infirmary. Elora changed her attire. Specific attire was prepared for her, per her design; cloth of simple blue cotton with a white apron. Double layered cloth masks were assembled for her. Enough gowns and masks were made so she could dispose of them each day and wear a new one the next. Well she only had a few days worth made, but more were being made and would be sent to her when completed.

They made their way for the infirmary. Just before they went into the building she said, "Doctor Dubuque, please remember to introduce me as Madame Marcotte."

"I will not falter, your majesty." She took his arm, as a daughter might with her father. He must have sensed her anxiety "Do not fear. I have always seen you rise to the occasion. No one will identify you in this attire. These gentlemen will accept you if you not only speak with authority, but also with respect. I sense you will shine here just as brightly as you do at court."

"Well, we'll see."

They entered the infirmary, which looked like it had been a factory at one time or another. It was meagerly finished and foul smelling. It was so cold they might as well have had all the windows open. She was introduced to Lord Charbonneauand Doctor Boisvert whom had been running the hospital. Lord Charbonneau was an older man of wealthy family, but had suffered in monies for the last few years and was eager to take any position the king offered him. Though his clothes were a bit out of style he appeared as if he never left the office they now stood in. He had moved much of his personal items into the office. Doctor Boisvert on the other hand could not have been any older than her parents and looked well worn down. He seemed grateful for some relief even if it was from Dubuque and she. She was greeted with courtesy from both, but nothing more. They spoke more to Dubuque than she, which she found aggravating, but she did not expect much more, king's command or not.

"Doctor Dubuque, we are honored with your presence. There is much here which we could use your expertise on."

"Actually gentlemen, I am merely here to assist Madame Marcotte. The techniques she will introduce may be our saving grace."

"Indeed." They only now took the time to sincerely acknowledge her.

"Gentlemen, I have been honored by the king to take point here. I will do my best to help you and these patients. May we tour the infirmary before we speak of the changes I would like to make?"

"Certainly, Madame."

The rooms were in terrible disrepair. She did not see one fireplace lit. There were no beds, little linen, bugs all over the place, overflowing chamber-pots, dirty water in basins being reused again and again! There were too many sick children crammed in every room and dead bodies were left barely covered in the same rooms with the sick without prompt removal. Many of the children did not even have a room, the they halls were filled with the sick as well.

She could not even understand what Charbonneau and Boisvert were bragging about, for she saw nothing being done correctly. She remained respectful of these men's efforts though, for she did not know whether for the time they were in now if this truly was considered innovative medical practice. By the looks of Dubuque as they toured he did not seem as horrified as she so she supposed it was just her 21st century mindset.

After leaving the patient rooms and returning to the office they all sat to discuss her designs. She was sure to tell them first what a good job they have been doing thus far and she would report so much to the king. Then she spoke further to explain what she thought the hospital was lacking, the means of improvement she meant to put into action, and for the most part the reasons why a cleaner environment was imperative.

Room by room Elora wanted them to scrub the floors, have a hand-washing stations with attendants specifically designated to bringing fresh water to each room throughout the day and also to keep the lavatory areas clean, and the fireplaces would be stocked and kept lit. She wanted everyone having any contact with the sick to wash their hands with lye soap in between patients. Clean linen would be ordered for each patient and laundresses would be brought in to clean them in boiling water. She wanted to separate the sick according to acuity and set up a triage area on the first floor for initial assessments to properly diagnose for admitting. She suggested better means to treat the symptoms, like increasing hydration and providing herbs with anti-emetic and cough suppressing properties.

Charbonneau and Boisvert wrote with their quills furiously as she spoke, clearly determined not to miss an order. This dedication impressed her. She had been prepared for defiance, but they seemed willing to acquiesce. With the king's support and the capital to sustain her objectives they got to work to put such requests into action.

By the end of the day the fires were lit, linen had been distributed, and hand-washing stations had been set up. She would go through assessing the patients tomorrow. Dubuque followed alongside her as they left for their own apartments.

"So," she began, "How did I do?"

"I did not expect improvements on so grand a scale. These sick appear incurable because of the duration of the illness being too long for most to endure. The children's lungs are just too weak. I have a difficult time seeing how such insignificant changes to the environment can be beneficial."

"I can understand why you think so, but listen to my theory. Imagine this: coqueluche and other contagious conditions, it all begins with a tiny parasite, unable to be seen by the naked eye, so small there is no conscious defense against it if it near you. Let's call the parasite a germ. Depending on what kind of germ it is if it enters you different sicknesses may result. Germs are able to infect us by many different means of transmission. They can travel in the air from another person. They can be in the food we eat and the water we drink. They can be sitting on some inanimate object, then you touch said object; the germ will go from the object to your hand and then if you touch your eye, nose, mouth, or a wound then it can sneak into your body and infect you."

"Since it is so small it seems impossible to protect yourself. One could become paranoid. Such a notion could cause hysteria."

"Yes, I suppose it could. And there are so many variables. How long the germ can live on an object without a host, how virulent it is, what can kill it, if it does enter a person if the person is healthy the body may be able to fight it off and not become ill."

"How can you be so certain of something that cannot be seen?"

She tipped her head and arched a brow. "I have my ways."

"It would prove helpful to know such specifics about coqueluche."

She turned her gaze toward him. Should she share more with him? "If I did would you believe in it?"

"I have followed you to Paris believing in you."

"I thought you came because of King Louis' command."

"In truth, that is what allowed me to come. Your mind has fascinated me since you threw my leaches out the king's window at Versailles. The king is in the same state, fascinated; which is why I believe he began loving you."

She smiled, thinking to herself how much she could share with this doctor if he knew the whole truth about her. She could bring to light Louis Pasteur's discoveries two hundred years early. But that was not fair she knew. That would be going too far. She had no right to take credit for someone else's theories and discoveries.

"With coqueluche the germ spreads by droplets that the sick person coughs and breaths out. Then if people close by breathe it in they will likely get infected. It can directly and indirectly infect others."

He nodded. "This is why you insist upon masks and clean hands."

"Yes, among the other things. You see now why it is just as important to prevent the spread of infection as it is to treat this children."

"This is going to be a challenge, your majesty."

"I know."

They scrubbed clean and changed attire. After eating a modest supper with Doctor Dubuque she focused on writing to Louis. If she did not keep her promise she worried he would send in the troops to yank her out of Paris. She sent a three page letter closed with her royal seal.

ooOoo

The next day brought only hurdles. Sweat and hard work ruled the day. She barely had time to eat. So there she was, the queen of all France, with about three-hundred patients under her care, one-fifth of which were dying daily from the pertussis. She had promised Louis she would only stay in Paris for a week so she had to work quickly.

She first put into practice the use of masks for all the workers. She spent the entire morning education about masks and the importance of hand washing. She could not expect everyone to be compliant if they did not understand the causes and effects.

Along with Dubuque and Boisvert she prescribed light sedatives to relax the patients and keep the coughing to a minimum. Dehydration was a big problem. It was difficult getting the sick children to drink efficiently because in most cases the coughing was constant and severe. Some coughed to the point of vomiting. She truly wished she could start an IV and get them fluids that way, but that was out of the question.

The patients were curious of a woman giving direction and having so much authority, but they were so sick, no one declined the help offered. She made it a point to visit with every patient there before she left for the night. Though there were countless that she would not remember their names, she still cared for them with an untiring heart.

She had noticed that many of the patients evaluated and given a room were not even sick with the whooping cough until they were there for a few days. It was obvious that they picked it up there. Many just came in with a simple cough and with some symptoms of a cold. Doctor Boisvert seemed to admit anyone with a cough, not even properly examining them to see if they had pertussis.

Doctor Dubuque's assistant spent his day setting up the triage area to her specifications. She nodded with approval as she did a walk through. "Yes, this will do nicely, I think."

They began ushering the sick in one at a time for them to assess. She mainly took a backseat in this process and watched the actual doctors do the assessment. The majority ages of the sick coming in ranged from infant to adolescent. Many came without a parent. If family did accompany it was either because the child was too young or too sick to walk in on their own.

Doctor Boisvert wanted to admit a nine year old girl for coqueluche, but her diagnosis differed. She sent her to a neighboring building for observation. If it was just an upper respiratory infection, there was no sense in putting her with the other sick. Doctor Boisvert was not pleased, but was too busy to make a big deal about it.

The day had begun with a census of 286, by the end of the day 67 more were admitted and 46 died, leaving the number at 307. She could not say that as the dead children were carried out she was not disturbed, but she at least had the comfort of knowing that in their last day they were receiving medicine for a comfortable death and were in a warm room. She had to focus her attention on the living now.

She felt better leaving the hospital tonight. She was certainly exhausted, but was still excited to read Louis' letter. Though the letter was short he emphasized how much he loved and missed her, warned her again to be safe, and to return soon. After scrubbing herself in a hot bath she wanted nothing more, but to fall into bed for a peaceful sleep. Instead she dressed in her nightgown and wrote to Louis of the day's happenings.

ooOoo

While in triage a few days later a sick young man of 17 limped unsteadily into triage. It was obvious immediately to all that he did not have coqueluche, but something just as critical. The two doctors came to the quick and certain conclusion that it was an advanced case of tuberculosis. Elora backed into the desk, knocking over the books in the process. She covered her mouth and hastily excused herself from the room.

She had been standing by the boy and breathing his air for at least five minutes. Since his case was active she could very likely contract TB, cloth mask or not. Louis would kill her before the disease did if he found out! No, Louis would not be allowed near her. She would die slowly and alone in seclusion without ever seeing her husband again.

Dubuque followed her out of the room. "Are you unwell? I would have thought you would find his case interesting, since it is unlike the hundreds we have been seeing over the past few days."

"It is interesting, but I cannot go back in that room. Tuberculosis this advanced is highly contagious, even for me. I cannot get sick as you know. Send him out of the building to a private room and have someone specifically designated to care for him. Make sure that person does not care for anyone else for the duration of his stay."

"It is likely he will not survive the night in any case."

"Indeed? Is he really so sick?"

"He does not have enough blood because he is expelling it by the quart and he cannot breathe. It will be only hours I think."

"Then give him a larger dose of laudanum."

"I already intended to."

"Okay. I'll make rounds now. Come find me once he has been transferred out and the triage room has been thoroughly sanitized."

After twelve days in Paris she felt confident leaving the hospital in Doctor Boisvert's care. She left a handful of assistants to carry on her sanitary protocol. As she arrived in the afternoon through Versailles' gates she saw Louis and all of the court waiting for her. She galloped her horse ahead of the guards to him. Louis assisted her off the horse and she practically knocked him to the ground; smothering him with kisses.

"I missed you so much!"

"And I you, my love."

Elora whispered in his ear, "Let's retire to our chamber right now."

"You read my thoughts, Elora."

ooOoo

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoyed Chapter 37! Between the endless drama in my life I have been struggling to write this chapter. Sorry I took so long posting. Only a few chapters left before it is complete…

Will update soon! Thank you for your continued support and all your encouraging words. As always, I appreciate feedback! Please leave a review and let me know what you think!

God bless,

L.B. Tempia