TORMENT AND HEARTACHE.
Chapter One.
Constance quickened her footsteps and hitched up her gown as she dashed along the passageway towards the queens chambers, the young woman receiving dubious glances from dignitaries and courtiers as she went. The young drapers wife had been summoned by Anne herself months earlier to become her closest confidant, to which Constance although surprised was elated to be chosen for such a role.
Queen Anne stood in front of the looking glass as she held up a gown against her slim body and admired her reflection. She turned suddenly as she heeded the rapping at her door.
"Come in Constance." she yelled.
Anne turned as the doors opened, the queen smiled at her friend and confidant.
Constance gave a hasty curtsy and smiled.
"You summoned me your majesty?
Anne threw the gown onto the bed and grinned, she approached her friend and grasped her hand in hers.
Constance eyed her with intrigue.
"Do sit Constance, I want to ask something of you." said Anne sounding elated.
Constance did as the queen asked of her as she hitched up her gown and sat. It was seldom she ever seen Anne this elated, what had prompted such glee. She watched as the young queen sat opposite her.
"My dear brother has requested a visit, he says he is missing me somewhat, I would indeed enjoy it if you would acompany me Constance." she smiled.
Constance eyed her friend with slightly mixed feelings, she did not expect such a request, but what harm could it do.
"You mean Spain your majesty, shouldn't the king accompany you?
Anne chuckled.
"Of course I mean Spain dear Constance, the king declined the request, he is rather busy with coming assemblies...and besides I would prefer your company anyway, Louis would only go out hunting, I cannot bare such escapades."
Anne stood suddenly and approached an irresolute Constance, the queen sat at her side and grasped her friends hands in her own, her face full of elated enthusiasm.
Constance gave her queen a pursed smile.
"Pray say you will accompany me Constance, you will stay with me in the palace, I have my own private quarters within there, and I do believe you will savour the Spanish food."
Constance raised her brows.
"I have never been away from Paris before your majesty, I would not know how I would behave, I only know of my own...
Anne chuckled and squeezed her friends hands before cutting in.
..."Constance, please, what ever do you mean, you are my trusted confidant, there is no certain way to behave, you will just be you, my dear friend, there is nothing to fear, and Elisabeth my dear sister- in-law will adore you, that I am certain."
Constance felt her nerves beginning to wane as Anne's soft voice calmed her, the faltering, the hesitancy, the wavering were beginning to turn into joy, Anne had chosen her to accompany her to Spain, how could she refuse such high acclaim.
The young woman smiled broardly.
"Then I shall indeed be honoured your majesty, I shall relish the whole experience with gaiety."
Anne leapt to her feet, her joy evident in her voice.
"Thats splended Constance, I shall proceed with the arrangements forthwith, I am certain Louis will be gladdened to rid himself of me for a couple of weeks."
Constance sniggered.
"Oh I doubt that your majesty, he will miss you very much, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Anne sat down and smiled at her friend.
"You say the sweetest things Constance, but these days he seems indeed enthralled by his new adviser Rochefort.
The smile suddenly diminished from Constances face, she had not taken to the kings new adviser, there was something about him, she couldn't quite decide what. d'Artagnan had commented only days before on how haughty the man was.
Sercret Passage
Queens Private Chambers.
Rochefort stood rigid to the spot as he heeded every word the queen said to her confidant. The small passageway he had found himself in was just enough room to turn in. He had already studied the plans of the palace and found the secret passageways that the kings predecessor had had built years before incase of Spanish attacks.
Rochefort gritted his teeth and smiled with pursed lips. His hands fisting tightly as his mind wandered.
So she plans travel to Spain, how fortunate that is, I must summon my associates at once. She is going to regret ever rebuffing my affections for her.
Palace
Underground Crypt:
Rochefort paced the cold stone floor as he spoke vehemently to his Spanish associate Ambassador Perales. He turned swiftly, eyes bulging with rage as he clenched his jaw tight.
"I do no want Trévilles flunkies to escort the queen to Spain, you will create a diversion."
Ambassador Perales swallowed hard as he glared into Rochefort's enraged features.
"How am I supposed to do such a deed, I am not your drudge Rochefort. Who are you to give out an order."
Rochefort suddenly grasped the Spaniard by the throat, the Spaniards collar tightening around his neck as Rochefort squeezed.
"YOU! will do as I ask...if you do not I will inform the king of your treachery...
Perales gritted his teeth as he pulled free from the tight grip.
"My treachory...that is rich coming from you Rochefort...I also will inform the king of your deception."
Rochefort sniggered.
"The king will never believe such disdain he respects me, your head will be on the block before you can whistle. Like I have asked, you will have the flunkies believe they are needed to calm a revolt, I will inform you when it will take place."
Perales sneered and snorted with enrage.
"Captain Tréville is not stupid, you know very well the musketeers must escort the queen to Spain, that is their job."
Rochefort turned on his heel and clenched his jaw tightly.
"Indeed, but it does not have to be them four, the queen and the d'Artagnan's whore will be apprehended before they cross the Spanish border, the queen needs to be taught respect."
"You are mad...you will be hanged...it will never work." seethed Perales.
Rochefort glared.
"Why are you still hear Perales, you have work to do...GO!
ooooooOOOoooooo
TBC...
Thank you for reading, I do hope you will stay for the ride. It is about to become bumpy.
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