Robin and Marian rejoined the gang just outside the Louvre's Banqueting Hall, where King Philip and select members of his Court were dining. Other than Little John, every member of the gang wore elegant new clothing. Djaq, self conscious at Allan's friendly jests, looked lovely in a rose colored gown. Clothing and a bath had been provided for Little John as well as the others, but he had refused them. Robin hoped John would not be turned away.
In respect for Robin, John was admitted. Robin's eyes quickly scanned the hall, then lit up before he bowed his head and dropped to one knee. His wife and men had followed his lead, without understanding why.
Looking up, Much spoke. "The Queen Mother," he told them, in quiet awe. "Now do you wish you'd at least combed your hair, Big Bear?"
It was indeed Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, seated at King Philip's right. She was at the French Court in person to negotiate for her beloved son Richard's freedom.
It should have been an awkward situation for her, having been Queen of France before she was Queen of England. Her first husband had been King Louis, Philip's father. The 15-year marriage was an unhappy one, with Louis extremely pious and Eleanor spirited. She had further displeased her husband by failing to provide France with a male heir, giving birth to two daughters only. And then, at age 30, she fell passionately in love with the equally high spirited Henry Plantagenet. She divorced Louis to marry the 18-year-old red headed Angevin, then became Queen of England once Henry ascended the throne. She had heaped further injury onto France by quickly producing five sons, as well as three daughters.
Louis had remarried and had finally been given the son he craved, Philip, as well as a daughter Alys, whose presence at the king's table ought to have furnished further awkwardness for Queen Eleanor. But Eleanor did not seem fazed by the young woman's presence. Indeed, she treated her like a daughter, secretly thrilled within herself that Richard had rejected his father's former paramour.
"Robin of Locksley," Eleanor said fondly, behaving as though she were still Queen of France rather than King Philip's guest. "Somehow I believed you would find your way to me, to help my son King Richard. Arise, Robin. I see you've brought your men with you. And this must be your charming wife."
Marian was nervous, meeting the famous Eleanor, but appeared polite and composed. "Your Majesty," she said.
"You suit Robin perfectly," Queen Eleanor approved. "Such bearing and beauty! And I know of your bravery as well. My son told me you saved his life, taking the sword that would have killed him. I am indebted to you forever, as is England."
Queen Eleanor scanned the room, her eyes taking in the rest of Robin's men, resting a moment on Little John. Addressing the French king, she scolded, "Why seat Robin's men below the salt? They are all heroes! Make a place for them here, at the king's table, along with Lord and Lady Locksley."
So commanding was her presence, her word became law. In no time, Robin's gang were seated upon the king's dais. It was to prove a dangerous mistake.
Marian studied the French King. She decided he was good looking, though as bald as Sheriff Vasey. His face was ruddy and he seemed impatient, quick to anger. He obviously enjoyed both wine and women, and she grew uncomfortable under his appreciative yet leering stare. His eyes looked intelligent but ruthless. He seemed a powerful king and adversary.
"Who is this?" King Philip demanded, taking his eyes off Marian to look at Djaq. "A Saracen?" He hated all Saracens as well as Jews. Upon becoming king, he had abolished his father's laws protecting the Jews, and had persecuted those who refused to convert to Christianity, killing many. And having fought in the Holy Land, he hated Saracens even more strongly. "How dare you, Locksley, bring a Saracen to my Court?"
"Her name is Djaq, Your Majesty," Robin told him, trying to control his temper. "As Queen Eleanor mentioned, she is a hero, deserving the same respect you pay me."
"She's a Christian then?"
Robin hesitated a moment before answering, "Ask her yourself," knowing Djaq would not want him to lie for her.
"I worship Allah, Your Majesty," Djaq said bravely.
King Philip's face turned a deeper shade of red. "You dare bring a Saracen heathen to dine with me, Locksley?" He issued an order to his soldiers. "Lock her away in the dungeon."
Will jumped to defend his wife, but Robin stopped him. "You cannot, Your Majesty," he said firmly. "She is married to another one of my men, a Christian."
King Philip glowered. "That makes no difference. You, Locksley, who killed more Saracens than anyone, ought to know better. Lock her away," he ordered his soldiers again.
"She is enceinte, Your Majesty," Robin said, believing Djaq's condition would earn her mercy.
Philip was angry, knowing he could not now lock her up. "I ought to throw all of you in my dungeons," he complained.
"No dungeon could hold us," Robin shot back, with seething politeness.
"Yes, I've heard of your exploits in Nottingham. Groups of thieves have adopted your name, all over my kingdom."
"We met such a group, outside Paris." Smiling, he passed Queen Eleanor a sack of money. "Courtesy of them, Your Majesty. They wished to contribute to your son's ransom."
Queen Eleanor was delighted. "You never fail to surprise me, Robin. Be assured your contribution is greatly appreciated. We will speak further, after we dine."
The meal was sumptuous, and Much particularly enjoyed it. Marian enjoyed the music, and afterwards watched couples dance, longing to dance herself. But Robin was speaking quietly with Queen Eleanor, his mind absorbed by concern over his captured king.
King Philip rose and extended his hand to Marian. "I am not such a fool as your husband, to ignore such a beautiful wife who clearly wishes to dance. May I have the pleasure, Lady Locksley?"
Marian gave the king her little half smile, took his hand and rose.
Robin forgot his king, watching King Philip lead Marian to the dance floor.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Marian said, "I am a little rusty. It seems ages since I danced."
"But you are a divine dancer! Allow me to guide you in the steps. It is the latest dance, invented here at my Court."
Marian enjoyed dancing, even as she caught the jealousy in Robin's eyes. But even while appearing to enjoy a frivolous pursuit, she attempted to attain King Richard's release.
"And how do you find my country?" King Philip asked.
"I love it," she answered honestly. "It is beautiful. And it appears more prosperous than England is now, under Prince John."
"Indeed." He wished to pursue one topic, while she aimed at another. "France is beautiful," he continued, "but you, milady, are lovelier still. Do you like the gown I provided?"
"Yes, thank you. Your Majesty cannot realize the devastation England suffers. Surely Your Majesty, so wise and benevolent a ruler, cannot wish a neighboring nation to be choked."
"You want me to set your king free? Alas, the decision does not rest with me alone."
"But surely Your Majesty can convince Duke Leopold to let King Richard go. Why else is Queen Eleanor here, negotiating his release?"
"Alas, your beauty, I fear, is wasted. You should take a lesson from my French ladies, who never argue with men, but try to please them in all regards."
"Forgive me. I did not mean to argue. I appeal to Your Majesty, to let my king go free."
He laughed lightly. "Why should I do that? I am already gaining back the lands France lost to your King Henry. I could never regain them with England being ruled by Richard."
"With respect, my husband told me Your Majesty had sworn an oath, not to attack King Richard's holdings while he was on Crusade."
"Yes, but he's not on Crusade any longer, is he? He negotiated a three year peace with that monster Saladin, and began his journey home. He is indeed 'The Lionheart,' while Prince John, a fool, remains 'Lackland.' And I shall continue regaining more and more of Richard's lands, while Prince John remains in charge. So you see, Richard's captivity is in France's best interest. What care I if your people starve?"
The dance ended, yet Philip refused to release Marian's hand. He gallantly lifted it to his lips. "You ought to remain here, in my Court. I will make you my mistress, and you will supplant my sister Alys as first lady of my land. You are honored, yes?"
"I am not."
"Ah, a proud beauty! Farewell then, Lady Locksley. I do not extend my offer twice."
Marian returned to join her husband, who politely offered her his hand, in an invitation to dance. "I thought you'd never ask," she said, angry at the king and wanting to tell Robin all.