The last few days had been dramatic at court. A new edict had been presented to the king by the nobles. The edict demanded that all French subjects were to publicly declare their faith to the King. She knew immediately that this would cause an uproar by the protestants as this was a way to sort out who were loyal to the faith and to the crown, and those who weren't. She also thought about Greer and what it would mean for her marriage.
She met Kenna for breakfast and couldn't help state her fears.
"This will cause a witch hunt throughout the country if Francis decides to sign."
"Surely, he wouldn't." Kenna said with a mouth full of bread.
"I don't know. He's been acting strange lately. He's doing things he wouldn't have otherwise." Kenna looked at her deep in thought.
"They are fighting. Mary and Francis. Mary told me. He doesn't confide in her anymore. I wonder what's going on." Lola nodded. She agreed. They had always been a good team, but now it seemed they were struggling. She couldn't help but wonder if Narcisse had anything to do with it.
She had agreed to meet him later that day. Just as the sun had begun to set in the afternoon, and the wind had favoured them with a delightful, cool breeze, she came out of the castle and saw him waiting for her in the courtyard. He smiled as he laid his eyes upon her. She was wearing a light summer dress. It was red mixed with purple details, and he couldn't help but stare as she walked towards him.
"Lord Narcisse."
"Lady Lola, you look lovely," he said and made a movement of his arm for the direction of their walk. She nodded slightly. "I assume you have received your dowry by now?" he asked.
"Yes. I wanted to thank you. It meant a great deal. Now I have the freedom to do as I please." They walked a while in silence, and as she come to terms with it, it wasn't that unpleasing. They entered the edge of the forest by the lake. The world was calm and beautiful this summer evening. She was wandering if it would stay that way.
"I heard about the edict," she said. "I think it's wrong. You're setting the people against each other." She was trying not to accuse him of something, but she was. She was wildly disagreeing with him for pressuring Francis, but she was fighting to keep her calm. She couldn't show her feelings on this. She wasn't free to. Not anymore. She didn't even know if it was wise to mention it at all. Probably not. But she couldn't stay silent.
"Protestants are undermining the crown. Francis is losing power with the people. Either way this is going to become dangerous." His voice became darker by every word, and a shiver went down her spine despite the weather.
"But the edict will cause an uproar. You must know this!" Lola stopped abruptly. Narcisse turned to her. He was studying her face, and appeared annoyed. He looked away, to hide a contraction between his brows, and looked at her again. His eyes were angry, dangerous.
"Without the edict, the protestant threat will continue to grow, only in silence. This way we will know who they are, and how many. They will not wish a catholic ruler to stay on the French throne."
"You think Francis's rule is in danger?" Lola said stunned.
"He's a catholic king. No protestant will be safe under him. They know that."
"He does not see at them as enemies."
"The law and the Vatican say otherwise."
"Either way, this is wrong."
"Maybe it is, but to do nothing may be more dangerous for all of us." She was warm, not just because of her anger but the air was so hot, she thought she might take a bath to save her life. They started to walk again, slowly. Both of them in deep thought. The green world of the leaves was surrounding them. It smelled like fresh, light air. It was almost like her lungs had never breathed more deeply, more fully until now. She watched the water dip lazily by the rocks. It was looking quite tempting.
"The lake seems quite tempting now, does it not?" She looked at him, and was met with that irresistible wolfish grin. His mood had changed, and he was back to his flirtatious self.
"You cannot help yourself, can you?" She sighed, and walked a little faster. She fought a smile. She could not admit that she secretly loved his teasing. She heard him give in to a small laugh.
"Well, I am just stating the facts, my lady. A bath would cool us down. As for me, I see no reason not to." She walked a few steps more, but could not hear him behind her.
"Are you comi-" She turned around, and stopped dead in her tracks and stared at him. He had begun to undress. His boots were already in the grass and his shirt and doublet on the ground beside them. His was lean, with muscles at all the right places, but not excessively so. She couldn't help admire him.
"What are you doing?" Lola said overcome with disbelief.
"I'm going for a swim. Are you coming?" He started unbuckling his belt, and she turned around abruptly.
"No, obviously! Someone could see you. This is ridiculous."
"Well, suit yourself." After a few moments she heard a splash and a deep sigh, and she could turn around. Only his head was above water, thankfully. She trotted to the lakeside with her arms crossed.
"You are unbelievable."
"No one can see us here. No one ever walks this way. This is my private little spot," he said smiling. "Is there nothing I can do to sway you?" He took a few steps forward as he talked. She got a glimpse of his arms. He was tempting. The lake was tempting. The forest was quiet around them, and all she could see of the castle was just a glimpse in the horizon. She shifted her weight on the other leg, moving uneasy. She looked at him again as he studied her. His eyes shone in the dim light, and she could see the suspense growing in him as he understood she actually considered it.
"Turn around." The words were out before she could stop them.
"What?" He said. She suspected his words were more a surprised reaction to his invite, than a misunderstanding of what she had said.
"You heard me." He turned around at once, giving her freedom to undress without his eyes praying upon her. She did so quickly, uncertain that he would keep turned. She entered the water slowly, a few feet away from him, in safe distance she thought. The ground was muddy, and sloppy, and she feared she would fall, but she managed to keep on her feet. The water had been warmed by the sun all day. It was still cold, but just warm enough to not freeze. He turned slowly, finding her at a distance.
"You were right. This is lovely." She giggled.
"You are indeed full of surprises, my lady. Shall we?" Lola nodded. They swam side by side for a little while, and she began feeling comfortable. Safe. He didn't touch her, and didn't try to either, but she felt his gaze upon her. He wanted her. There was no doubt in her mind. She could see it in his eyes.
They dressed themselves in silence, but with their backs to each other. When it came to the corset of her dress it was obviously easier to get off, then to put on. She hadn't thought about that. She struggled, and her arms was getting tired.
"Could you help me? With the corset, I mean?" she asked shamefully. Narcisse was finished dressing and turned around.
"Well, of course my lady," he drawled. He took care of her corset in a matter of seconds with his trained hands, yet his fingers lingered at her neck. "Yet, I would rather have you asking me to take it off." He was close. She could feel his breath on her ear. Just the smallest gust of warm breeze. She felt a warm sensation in her body growing, but she was determined. He was to make the first move.