Chapter 2

Louis made his way to the great hall. It wasn't a real ball or a party but a very diplomatic feast. Very few people were invited only prominent ones. Mary and Francis were nowhere to be seen. The great table in the middle had a beautiful crystal centerpiece. How ironic, Louis thought. He personally had no idea what personal agenda Antoine had planned. He did not even have the slightest idea that Navarre was making a deal with Elizabeth. His bother reminded him that his duty towards his country should not come second to anything or anyone else.

Just then, a squire announced "All hail the King and Queen of France!" Francis and Mary entered, hand in hand with smiles on their faces. It was hard to tell whether Mary was faking the smile or whether it was genuine. But she looked beautiful.

"She really does look beautiful", came a voice from behind.

Louis turned around to see Lola standing and looking at him.

"Ah yes. She does", said Louis looking at Mary one more time. "But so do you", he added.

"Don't compare me with the queen. Mary is beyond me", said Lola.

"Why do you say that?"

Lola burst out a laugh. "All this feasting and parties must be tiring for men like you".

"Sometimes it seems a little too much but like you said its all for appearances. We royals do need to keep that up in order to survive."

"Sometimes it gets harder, given certain circumstances, drawing a smile on your face when all you want to do is retire to your chambers and sleep."

Louis had no idea why she had said that.

"I mean", continued Lola. "Mary..every time I look at her…she only amazes me. After everything that has happened to her, she has always managed to stay strong. No everyone can do that you know. I love her and admire her."

Louis knew now. Truly, Mary's condition never made her weak but only stronger. "But she is not the only one I know who is strong," said Louis. "You have been admirable as well."

"I have done nothing but given numerous people a subject to talk about and mock me in ways I can imagine. The mother of the king's bastard."

"That is not true. I saw you in the woods and knew immediately how strong you are."

"Okay now you are just trying to be flattering", smiled Lola. Louis laughed."But truly, the battles that you have dealt with, are dealing with, speaks so much about you too. A single mother raising her child, protecting her. I hardly had my mother to myself. She was always with my brothers."

As they were talking, Lord Narcisse approached the pair. "Ah, lovely harmony I see."

Lola's smile vanished immediately. After last night, she had completely lost faith in Narcisse. But he still had that effect on her, whenever he approached her or talked to her, her adrenaline rushed and made her very uneasy. She knew that this man was an enemy to the crown even though he pretends that he cares for France.

"Lord Narcisse", said Lola silently. Louis noticed a change in Lola's tone but had no idea why.

"Lady Lola. You always manage to look beautiful. I still remember the night you had visited my chateau for a cup of tea", grinned Narcisse, slightly looking at Louis.

"Ah yes I do. The chateau that now no longer belongs to you", said Lola.

The grin from Narcisse's face vanished. He now looked directly at Louis. "Conde. It has been a long time since we've met."

"Narcisse", said Louis.

"Lord Narcisse, Conde", corrected Narcisse.

"I thought your lands and your titles were confiscated", said Louis, looking at Lola who looked back, approvingly.

Narcisse smirked. "I have to go. I have a meeting to attend and discuss important matters with the kings and the queen."

Lola seemed a little irritated after the small conversation with Narcisse. It did not take Louis to figure out, or at least make certain assumptions as to why she had changed from being so lively to this silent person. The discussions continued. Lola hardly understood the diplomacy between France and Navarre. She looked at the people who were sitting at the table and talking. Particularly Narcisse. She knew that man has something in his mind. She had no idea what but she did know. After all, why would he be so intimate with Princess Claude?

After a few moments, "Please excuse me Lord Conde, I think its best if I retire to my chambers now."

"Well, I could escort you back?" asked Louis.

:Oh no. Your presence is required her e with your brother."

"Won't that look suspicious to Mary? After all she worked so hard to pair us up. We should not disappoint the queen", smiled Louis.

"Not to worry, I will tell her that your courtship is wonderful and is living up to my expectations", smiled Lola and left.

Louis looked as she went to Mary. He was left with wonder. He looked at Narcisse and obviously knew that something strange was going on between them. But why was it bothering him so much? It was unlikely for him to care for a woman, other than Mary, so much.

Lola walked through the deserted corridors towards her chambers but was stopped by Narcisse when he called out her name. Lola turned around and frowned.

"What is it?" she asked sternly.

"I just wanted to ask you how you are. You did not wear the flower I asked you at the Winter Ease."

"Maybe because I wasn't interested. I am being courted by a Prince, a descent one in fact."

"Decency has never gotten anyone anywhere. And Conde? I really thought you had taste Lady Lola. Have you forgotten all about me?"

"Maybe not. But since you have made your way into the arms of Princess Claude, I believe that I am useless."

"You are never useless to me Lola", said Narcisse and grabbed her arm.

"Please let go of me!" Narcisse did.

"You think Conde will make you happy but you are wrong. A forced courtship leads a couple to sadness. He is descent, maybe, but he is just comfort food. You will want me and you will come to me. And when you do, I will remind you of all the happiness you once had with me."

"I never had anything with you." And saying this, Lola walked off.

Behind the great curtains, a little far off, Louis stood and listened to the whole conversation.