Chapter 3
A boy had tried to take the virtue of the Queen of Scots while she slept.
That was the news that greeted her the morning after the wedding. She had barely managed to keep herself together when the other ladies told her while they attended to the Queen's rooms. Her pounding headache from a night of drinking had already put a dent in her usually calm facade, but that pushed her even closer to the edge.
Francis had scolded her for an hour until he had finally calmed down, asking her what had possessed her to get so drunk and act so recklessly. She didn't argue with him. She simply allowed the young Prince to worry and crow over her for as long as he wished. After all, she regretted her actions very much. She hadn't seen Bash since he left her room the night before. If she didn't know better, she'd think that their duties simply sent them in different directions. But she did know better and she knew good and well that Bash was avoiding her. Not that she blamed him. Not even back in court for two whole days and she had already made a mess of things.
She had almost been an accomplice to the plot against the Queen of Scotland. Everyone pointed fingers at the English for wanting to sabotage the alliance, but her gut told her that it was Catherine's doing. It didn't take much to piece it all together, what with the order that was given to her from Catherine's own lips.
Not that she would ever say anything to implicate her mistress.
The boy, Colin, was executed swiftly, an act that the Queen of Scots was upset about- though the reason why she was upset was lost to Andrea. She couldn't imagine wishing anything but death for a man who attempted to do what Colin did, no matter his influence. Perhaps the young Queen had her reasons. It was after the boy had died that Queen Catherine gave her new orders.
"Find out what Mary's thoughts are." Catherine had said as she prepared rooms for Prince Charles' future betrothed. "Whether or not she still believes the English are plotting her downfall. And about her engagement to Francis. Surely, she cannot believe that such a thing is beneficial to her future any longer. Report to me whatever you find."
It was for that reason that she was walking down the hall towards Queen Mary's chambers with a few books in hand and an air of purpose surrounding her. It had only been a day since Colin was executed and Andrea decided that now was as good as time as any to take Mary up on her offer. She could imagine how vulnerable she might have been since it all happened and how tentative she was to trust anyone
That's why it was the perfect opportunity.
She told Mary's page who she was and why she was there and waited anxiously while he relayed the message. She released a breath she didn't know she was holding when the page returned and allowed her to pass into the Queen's Chambers. Two hulking guards stood at either side of her door, neither bothering to make contact with Andrea as she passed them. The attack from Colin must have prompted the extra security, a measure that Andrea knew was fruitless.
Mary was getting ready at her vanity when Andrea finally walked in and curtseyed. The young, beautiful Queen turned in her seat and smiled brightly, almost as if the events of only a couple days ago didn't happen. But there was something different in her eyes. The small sparkle of innocence was a little dimmer than the last she saw her. For that, Andrea felt guilt.
"Lady Andrea, it's lovely to see you!" Mary said as she stood and crossed to her. "I was surprised when my page announced you. Was there something you needed?"
Andrea shook her head and smiled at the young woman. "No, your Majesty- I mean, Mary." She quickly corrected herself at Mary's raised brow. "I simply wished to take you up on your offer to tell you about the castle ghost. I have other stories as well." She held up the books for her to see as Mary looked them over curiously. "That is, if you still want to hear them."
Mary seemed to consider it for a moment before she nodded happily. "I would like that, thank you. It's a welcome distraction." She gestured to for her to sit on her sofa and Andrea obliged. "You're one of Catherine's ladies, aren't you?"
Andrea nodded as she arranged the books on the table in front of them. "I am and have been for many years. The royal family has been very good to me."
Mary nodded in understanding, watching as Andrea picked out a specific book and began looking for a page. "Then… you must know the court well."
"As I'm sure you should." Andrea said, tilting her head curiously at the girl. "You lived here before I did."
She reached up to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear, a nervous habit, Andrea noticed. "Yes, but the castle is… definitely not what I remember. Everything has changed, it seems."
Andrea hummed in understanding, knowing exactly what she meant. It seemed she and the Queen were alike in that respect. Thrown by how different France had become in their absences. For Andrea, it was only a year, but for Mary, it had been so much longer. She probably remembered the castle from the eyes of a child, only focused on how big and grand it was. It had probably seemed like a fairytale then.
"The castle is the same." Andrea told her. "Stone doesn't change that easily. It's simply the people and our memories that become different. And one's circumstances…"
"My circumstances haven't changed." Mary said. "I was sent her to be married before, and I am sent here to be married again." To Francis, Andrea was sure she wanted to say. To be engaged at such a young age… What a restrictive existence royals lived. Even more so than herself, and she was not permitted to love anyone. Mary suddenly sat forward, a curious and almost worried expression on her face. "You said that the royal family has been good to you… Does that mean that you know Francis well?"
Andrea smiled happily at the mention of her friend and nodded. "I do. He was… my closest friend growing up. Why do you ask?"
"I…" She sighed and looked down at her hands in her lap. "Francis and I played as children. I don't believe our engagement ever really mattered to us back then. But it's been years and he seems rather… distant and I was wondering-"
"If I know what Francis is thinking." Andrea finished for her. She weighed the question in her head for a moment. How was she supposed to tell this girl -this very kind queen- that her fiance was having doubts? She cursed Francis in her head before smiling and taking the Queen's arms gently. "I can't answer that, since I don't know what is in Francis' heart. But I do know that he is kind and that he will not hurt you. He's an honorable young man and I'm sure that you two will get along splendidly again."
Mary raised an eyebrow at Andrea's strong praises. "Have you and Francis ever…?"
Andrea's eyes widened and she couldn't help the laugh that burst from her lips. "Francis and I? Heaven's no!" She watched relief fall over Mary's face. "He's like my brother, if anything! You don't have to worry about he and I since there never will be an he and I beyond friendship. I still see him as that skinny boy whose voice had barely changed." Mary laughed at that -genuinely Andrea noticed-. She realized that she quite liked the Queen's smile. Andrea's mirth died down as a thought entered her head and she pursed her lips before voicing it. "Are you asking because of… what happened with that boy?"
Mary's smile immediately dropped a the question. "So you've heard about that…"
Andrea winced at her sad tone and quickly reached forward to grab her hand in comfort. It was probably a forward action, a servant grabbing a Queen as such, but the girl looked as if she needed it. "It is not entirely a secret. And no one can be executed here quietly. I'm sorry if I caused you any sadness."
Mary shook her head, blinking back tears and sending her a sad smile. "No, you didn't. This is all my own fault."
That certainly alarmed her. Andrea frowned deeply at the statement. "And how do you figure that?"
"He was executed because he was used in a plot against me. If he hadn't came here, if I hadn't came here, he would still be alive. The English wouldn't have used him if he didn't have a connection to me." Mary explained, a guilt ridden expression on her face.
Andrea blinked for a moment, incredibly shocked by the words. "...I'm sorry, Mary, but that is utterly foolish."
Mary looked taken back by her tone and words. "What?"
"That boy dared to come into your rooms while you were sleeping and tried to take your virtue." Andrea said, watching as she winced at the mention. "If he would have succeeded, he would have ruined you and your country. He made the decision. He became involved in an English plot. You are the last person who should feel guilty over that boy's death." 'Queen Catherine is the one who should feel guilty.' She wanted to say but never would.
"But Lola told me that someone made Colin do this." Mary said. "Lola, she's my lady and my friend. She was involved with Colin, that was why he was here. She told me that he said that someone threatened to hurt his family unless they did what he said. Someone highly placed at court and someone who obviously only used Colin to get to me. Lola's heart is broken because of me."
"Did she tell you that?" Andrea said bluntly, causing the Queen to look down at her hands. "If she did, then I must say, your highness, you need much better friends and ladies. Colin's blood is on the hands of those who used him. Not on yours. You are not to blame and your ladies should know better than to implicate you in such a thing! I mean, really-" She stopped short at the surprised and saddened look on Mary's face and realized that she had gotten more riled up than she meant to. She took a deep breath and brought herself back from the edge of anger and belligerence. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
Mary held up a hand and shook her head quickly. "No, you did nothing wrong. Thank you for what you said. I have been torturing myself over this since it happened and everyone around me seems to point fingers. Lola, Francis-"
"And Francis shall certainly hear word from me." Andrea huffed, making Mary give a quiet and tearful laugh.
"There is no denying that my country and my position put the people close to me in harms way." Mary explained to her and Andrea couldn't find a way to argue. "That will always be my burden to carry."
Andrea stared at her for a moment in a curious fashion, making Mary feel self conscious under her gaze. "And here I believed nunneries only raised naive girls. Seems I was wrong." Mary laughed in utter surprise and amusement. "We should move on to a much more… elated topic. Perhaps I should finally tell you those stories about that ghost now."
Mary smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'd like that."
~For Country and Blood~
"Let's agree it's a brilliant match." Catherine explained with a smile on her face. "Madeleine's French, so there's no question of her family's loyalty. Very wealthy."
King Henry stared pensively at his wife. "But not royal, so they're hungry for power."
"They'll pay for it." Catherine said hopefully.
Henry raised a brow, his concern for the situation slipping away for the moment before he shrugged. "It's only right to accept the support of one's loyal subjects."
Catherine bent down slightly to smile brightly and excitedly at her younger son. "And she has a giraffe! Madeleine's widely traveled. She's come from far away by ship. "
Prince Charles finally smiled at the prospect. Andrea could only watch from the sidelines as the royal family interacted. The small prince was less than happy about the idea of having a bride. What boy would at his age? He hid it well, however. Everyone was gathered in the throne room, including a quiet Mary, an annoyed looking Francis and a very stoic Bash. Andrea stood with the rest of Catherine's ladies, ready for whatever order she was ready to give. She avoided looking at Bash throughout the whole meeting, and she was sure that he was doing the same. There wasn't much they could say to one another, or even wanted to. The only reason they were even in the same room was because the King and Queen demanded it. When their highnesses wanted something, they got it. No questions asked.
"Do I get a giraffe too?" Charles asked hopefully.
"The moment she is your bride!" Catherine assured him, putting her son at ease. There were many things to call the Queen of France, but a bad mother certainly wasn't one of them. It was moments like these that Andrea was glad to witness.
"Francis," The Dauphin perked up at the mention of his name, obviously a bit bored with the meeting. Andrea couldn't help but crack a small smile. "To show our respect, I want you to accompany your little brother to the landing."
Charles looked at Bash hopefully. "Can Bash come as well?"
In a flash, the nurturing and happy expression on Catherine's face slipped away and was replaced with one of malice and annoyance. "Charlie! You know that Bash isn't really your brother. He's just your father's son. His presence is disrespectful."
Andrea's eyes widened and shot to Bash, who seemed relatively unbothered by the Queen's comments as he shared a slightly amused look with his brother. She shouldn't have been as surprised as she was, Catherine always held contempt and anger for Bash and his mother. Insults were normal occurrences in Bash's life. Still, it broke Andrea's heart at times. His blues eyes suddenly flickered to hers and they softened at the sadness they had surely found in them. Remembering the night before, she quickly averted her gaze.
"The girl's parents were enjoying Morocco, so they sent her on alone." King Henry explained, ignoring the venom that his wife threw at his son.
Catherine chuckled, her earlier anger almost forgotten. "Apparently, she was more afraid of meeting her future husband than of pirates. Well, that's to be expected at age seven. She'll fall in line, we all do."
For some reason, Andrea couldn't help but feel that the jest was made at Mary. By the look on her face the Scottish Queen knew as well. Mary's gaze shot to her's for a moment and a smile reached her lips that Andrea returned.
"Perhaps I can go with Francis?" Mary suddenly suggested, making Andrea raise an eyebrow in surprise and amusement. Even Francis seemed surprised by her request as he turned to look at her curiously. "I came here too when I was a child. Perhaps I can reassure her?"
King Henry looked at her skeptically. "It's several hours journey."
Mary shrugged nonchalantly, giving Charles a kind smile. "Then we'll take food and treats. I don't mind, really."
"On second thought, why don't we greet the girl here? We don't know, the journey might now be safe." Andrea couldn't figure out why the Queen hated Mary so much. Surely, it couldn't just be that she didn't want Francis marrying her, even Catherine wasn't that shrewd. When Francis loved Olivia, Catherine treated the girl as a simple pest and took steps to annoy her. But something about the way Catherine treated Mary was different.
King Henry shook his head. "They'll stay on the King's Road. A dozen well-armed guards will keep the bandits away."
"Then perhaps Mary will be more comfortable if I sent my lady, Andrea along." The lady in question looked at Catherine in alarm, but kept her mouth shut. Francis himself frowned in confusion and looked at Andrea, who shrugged to him. "As a show of good faith and so that she might make the trip more comfortable for you."
Mary's gaze moved to Andrea as she considered it for a moment before she smiled and shook her head. "As lovely as Andrea is, I do believe I will be fine attending to myself for a few hours. If that is alright with her?"
All eyes turned to Andrea at the moment and she internally groaned at being put on the spot. Catherine gave her a withering and imploring stare while Mary simply smiled politely. "I... " Andrea took a breath and bowed into a simple curtly. "Whatever you wish, your Grace."
Catherine deflated, but accepted it as she slid a neutral expression on her face. Henry flicked his wrist, gesturing to the guards. "Very well. Prepare a carriage for Mary, Queen of Scotland."
Everyone disbanded then to prepare for the departure of the royals. Catherine shot her a look that Andrea was sure that she wouldn't like later that day. She knew what she wanted her to do, but she had failed. Failure was never an option in Queen's Catherine's realm. Francis crossed the room to her, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me?" Francis implored, looking her over.
Andrea pursed her lips and folded her hands before her. "I don't know what you mean."
Francis rolled his eyes at her and gave her a knowing look. "Why would my mother want you to come along to the landing? And don't say it's to support Mary, because we both know my mother well enough."
Andrea shrugged, though she knew that Francis wouldn't believe it. "Perhaps your mother actually means what she says this time. Mary and I-"
"Oh, so you call her "Mary"?" Francis scoffed. "Are you friends now?"
"Maybe we are." Andrea said, reaching up and smoothing down his collar in an effort to calm him. "I admit, she is a very lovely girl. And perhaps you should give her a chance."
Francis raised a brow at her. "Just a few days ago, you were telling me that I shouldn't fall in love with her."
"I think we've established that what I say while inebriated cannot be taken seriously." Andrea told him, earning a smirk from the young Dauphin. "Go and… get to know her. You might like what you learn."
He pursed his lips for a moment. "There may have been an… instance… last night."
Andrea raised a brow at him. "An instance? What in the world does that mean?" Her answer was lost as the queen called out to her, beckoning her lady to her side. Andrea sighed and gave Francis a stern look. "We will speak of this later."
Francis playfully rolled his eyes and bid her farewell before leaving the throne room. She smiled for only a moment and turned on her heel to head to her mistress, not missing the look that she received from Bash as she did so.
Andrea immediately dropped in a small curtsy, keeping her eyes and her head low. "I apologize, your-"
Catherine quickly waved a hand to silence, clearly not interested in any apology she had to give. "What's done is done. I should have known she would use this as an opportunity." She tutted under her breath and dismissed her other ladies while gesturing for Andrea to follow her all in one move. Andrea quickly moved to her Queen's side. "While she is gone, I want you to get close to her Scottish ladies. Three of them are titled, one of them extremely rich and favored. All looking for husbands, I suspect."
Andrea nodded. "I would imagine so. French court is full of eligible and agreeable men."
"If it wasn't, I wouldn't have use for the Flying Squad." Catherine agreed. "Nonetheless, Mary trusts them and they her. Surely, you'll hear something."
Andrea bit her lip, wondering for a moment if she should tell the Queen about her conversation with Mary earlier that day. On one hand, she had to stay in Catherine's favor. On the other… Mary was so innocent. This court was going to eat her and spit her out and a part of Andrea wanted to shield her from that for as long as she could.
She sucked in a quick breath before she looked at the Queen. "Not all her ladies trust her." This certainly intrigued the Queen as she turned and looked at her imploringly. "She told me earlier, during our meeting, that one of her ladies blames her for Colin's death."
"And Mary believes this as well?" Catherine guessed.
"Mary believes that she's a danger to those around her because of her position as the Queen of Scotland." Andrea shrugged slightly. "I agree with her."
Catherine scoffed. "At least the girl has a brain. This is good. Well done."
Andrea nodded her thanks and felt a swell of pride at the praise she received. A thoughtful look rose to her face for a moment. "Can I ask a question, your highness?" Catherine gestured for her to continue and Andrea paused for a moment to correctly iterate her words. "What is it about the Queen of Scots that bothers you? She's just a girl."
"Not just a girl." Catherine said sternly. "She's a queen. A queen of a nation that may very well be the ruin of my son and France. Henry is ambitious and won't see reason, but I see it." Catherine turned Andrea to Mary as she spoke to her ladies, oblivious of the two women that were currently watching her. "I see a young, impressionable woman who holds all of her hopes on my son. I see a country who will need the lives of French soldiers to protect it and I see her country like a noose around my son's neck. You know Francis as well as I do, you know that if he were to fall in love with that girl, he would walk into hell for her."
Andrea pursed her lips as she listened to her words. The Queen didn't just hate Mary, she feared her. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she saw Mary as a threat to everything that Catherine held dear and fought ruthlessly for. Catherine saw a girl who would one day take her crown from her and ruin everything that she built. Andrea understood her fears, for once. Her paranoia and the steps that she was taking. But on the other hand, something seemed so… excessive about her claims. As if she knew that all of this would come to pass. Only one thought came to her mind…
"Nostradamus told you something." Andrea said, no question laced in her tone. "Something about what is to come to pass."
Catherine turned her gaze back to Andrea and took her hand in her's, her expression stern and icy. "And you will tell no one."
Andrea quickly shook her head. "Of course not, your majesty. But… you raised Francis to love his country and his family. He's a smart and strong young man. He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize France's integrity. You needn't worry for him."
"I am a mother. Worrying for one's children is always in our hearts." Catherine replied, her gaze softening slightly. "Your words do give me some comfort. Nonetheless, you should continue what you are doing. Get close to Mary and her ladies a—and do not fail."
Catherine walked away with that and Andrea shut her eyes and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She looked over to Mary, who was talking to her ladies in quiet tones. With whatever energy she had from her already trying day, she placed a smile on her face and walked over to the group of girls. One of them spotted her first, a beautiful girl with brown hair, tanned skin and deep brown eyes gestured with her chin, causing the rest of them to turn to her. The others were just as beautiful. Two were blonde, one with angled and sharp features while the other had a rounded, innocent and almost childlike face. The last wore a deep frown on her face, a mixture of sadness and distrust in her blue saweyes. She was pretty, with her long, wavy dark hair and large rosy lips that only added to her beauty.
Andrea bent into a well practiced curtsy before the young queen, who nodded a simple greeting. "Your majesty."
Mary gave her a teasing smile at the use of her title, but chose not to correct her in front of the court. "Andrea. I hope you didn't take offense to my declining Queen Catherine's order. It had nothing to do with you, surely."
Andrea waved her off. She knew well enough the rift between Catherine and Mary. "Of course, your majesty, I take no offense."
Mary smiled at her and gestured to her ladies. "This is Lady Andrea La Tremoille, the one I told you all about."
Andrea raised a brow at her. "You speak of me, your highness? I'm flattered."
"The one who tells stories of ghosts?" One of her ladies spoke, the one with tanned skin and a glamorous air. "Do you know other stories of the castle as well?"
Andrea nodded, feeling undeterred under her scrutinizing gaze. It was no different from the other ladies and the way that they typically judged each other. "I do, I grew up here. I was a playmate for the royal children for a long time, so I could tell you just about every legend about these old walls. And any rumors that might come about."
"Rumors?" The soft faced blonde voiced. "Like gossip? Are you allowed to gossip about nobility?"
Andrea tilted her head and cast her eyes to the ceiling thoughtfully. "Mm, no. I don't believe so. But if the dear Queen of Scots keeps a secret, I don't believe there would be a problem."
Mary shook her head at the girl with a wide smile. "Your secrets are safe with me, Andrea." She gestured to her ladies. "Where are my manners? Lady Andrea, these are my ladies; Lady Kenna, Lady Lola, Lady Aylee, and Lady Greer."
"It is a pleasure." Andrea bowed her head in greeting. "I also wanted to come over and invite your Scottish ladies for tea this afternoon while you are gone." They all looked at her in surprise, though Kenna and Lola's eyes flashed with distrust. "Queen Catherine will be too busy consorting with the party planners and entertainment for this evening to bother with my absence. I thought you all would enjoy some company while your own Queen is gone."
Mary smiled brightly at her and grabbed Kenna's hand. "That sounds lovely. I'm sure my ladies would be happy to, right?" She looked at them hopefully, only to smile in happiness when they all agreed, though two of them were quite reluctant to do so, she noticed.
"Then it is settled," she finalized with a small smile. "I'll have the servants prepare tea in the garden, far away from the festivities, and I'll send for you when it's ready." Andrea curtsied a farewell, which they returned, before turning on her heel and walking away, avoiding Sebastian's path while she did so. She could feel his intense blue eyes on her back as she left the throne room, but she didn't dare look back. As angry as she was with him, his very being sent a chill up her spine.
~For Country and Blood~
Mary's ladies didn't speak the first few minutes that they sat down at the table she prepared I'm the garden. The servants offered them tea and pastries for the five of them and only the sound of clinking glasses and the soft sounds of the garden filled the air. She gazed at them over the edge of her cup as she took a sip, her eyes shooting to each of them curiously. Aylee seemed to be the most quiet of them, staring down at her scone with mild fascination. Greer was the more mature, a beautiful blonde holding herself in a manner that the others didn't. She supposed that was to be expected, what with her being without a title.
Lola and Kenna fascinated her the most. Kenna was confident. It was evident in the very way she walked. Lola was as well, but her confidence didn't lie with how she looked. There was a boldness to her that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Andrea cleared her throat lightly and set her cup before her. "So, how are you enjoying being back at Court? It must be different now, especially now that you're older." They looked at one another, unsure as to whether they could speak. Andrea rolled her eyes. They were making her job much harder than it needed to be. "Oh come now, we are hardly royals. From one lady in waiting to others, we should be able to speak plainly to one another."
Kenna raised her brow. "Speak plainly? About what?"
Andrea shrugged. "Whatever you like. The party tonight, of places we've travelled… Or simply of the more eye catching pieces at court."
Aylee immediately started, her cheeks blushing brightly. "Not so loud! Someone might hear!"
"Like who, the kitchen staff?" Andrea gestured to them as the servants in question prepared to leave. "I'm sure they talk about much worse. Besides, I heard that the English Envoy is coming back to court tonight. I haven't seen him in years, but last I remembered, he enjoyed making pretty girls blush."
"Does he have a wife?" Greer asked, the first time she had spoken in their small outing.
"He does, God save her." Andrea said with a shake of her head. "I think the poor dear is in denial."
Lola frowned at the information, her lips pursed in a fine, displeased line. "Why are you telling us this?"
Andrea blinked at her in surprise. "I'm sorry?"
"Why did you invite us for tea?" She said again, this time with an edge in her voice. "It's obvious that Queen Catherine does not care for us, so why do you?"
"I didn't know that the Queen and I were supposed to like the same things." Andrea said tersely, earning a look from the brunette. "Just because I serve her does not mean that I should toss about those that she dislikes. If I did that, I would have no one to talk to."
"That doesn't answer my question on why you would care to know us at all." Lola said again, her distrust of the lady clear.
Andrea stared at her for a moment before setting her tea in front of her and clearing her throat lightly. "Like you, I only returned to court a few days before after I completed my education in Venice. I realized that the only friends I had were the royal family, the ones that I serve. My family is back in my village and my life doesn't leave room for friends. At least you all have each each other. Perhaps I wanted to capture some of that." It was a good lie and had Catherine been there, she would have been so very proud. But there was truth in it, Andrea realized to her slight horror. While Francis was her friend, he was her superior. Her prince.
"I'm sorry." Andrea's eyes shot to Lola in shock as the girl gave her a pitied smile. "I didn't realize. This court is just-"
"Confusing." Kenna interrupted to say. "Not even a week here and our Queen's life has placed in danger and we lost one of our countrymen…" she winced and placed her hand on top of Lola's. "I'm simply saying it's not easy to trust anyone here."
"Especially those with attachments to Queen Catherine." Greer told her. "I've heard that those who get on her bad side don't last long at court."
"You heard right." Andrea told them, earning incredulous looks from the four girls. "I am grateful to my mistress in all ways but… you spoke the truth. Catherine is dangerous when crossed. But it's how any Queen should be. No one would respect her if she just sat quietly at the King's side. Queens must not only acclimate, they must assert themselves." She shrugged her shoulders and took another sip of tea. "I guess I mean to say that I understand her."
Aylee frowned. "Do you think Mary will end up that way? ...Like Queen Catherine, I mean."
"No." Andrea answered quickly, surprised that she actually meant the words. "Mary is already a queen. If power hasn't changed her already, I doubt it will now." She let them mull over it for a moment before she shook her head. "Enough with all this seriousness. Let's move onto lighter topics, like that hideous dress the Duchess of Whitmire wore to the wedding. I mean really!"
The conversation turned into girlish giggles and meaningless topics that girls their age divulged in. It was nice, for a moment, to imagine that she was doing this strictly for pleasure and not because she was commanded to. In another life, one that she wished she lived, she could have grown to genuinely like the young women sitting around the table with her, willing to welcome her into their close circle. Instead, she mentally distanced herself, knowing that nothing good would come out of this friendship.
Not at all.
~For Country and Blood~
The next few hours were fairly normal and boring, a fact that Andrea was entirely grateful for. She helped Catherine run menial household chores and aided her fellow ladies in keeping the Queen on task. It was fairly easy, since Catherine was never truly off task. She had an example to set, after all, being the Queen of an entire country.
She carried a bit of fabric down the hall, elaborately decorated silk that was to be made into a dress for Charles' future bride. The castle was relatively quiet, as it was midday and everyone was preparing for the arrival of Prince Charles' betrothed. Barely anyone, save a few servants, flittered along the hall she traveled to get to the seamstress. It was nice to do such a remedial task. Typically, she was left with smiling sweetly at noblemen to distract them and put them in a false sense of security. Then Henry and Catherine would do what they liked with them during negotiations and trade deals. Every Flying Squad lady had a task. Most were set to sleep with men and learn their secrets. Andrea often pondered why Catherine had yet to send her to someone's bed. Whenever it came to seducing someone, Catherine always overlooked her and sent another. She often wondered if it was because she was a virgin, but she then remembered that virginity was never a virtue her mistress much cared for.
She stopped short when a couple came into view, the woman with chestnut hair giggling as she gripped her companion's hand and pulled him from a room. It only took her a moment to recognize the black hair of the man as he leaned down to whisper in the woman's ear. It was obviously flirtatious, from the way the woman twirled a lock of her hair and smiled at him in a coy fashion. A pang shot through her, something akin to both heartbreak and anger that she quickly quelled before she allowed it to take over her actions. She remained straight faced and seemingly dignified as she continued her path, though she could feel the remnants of a glare threatening to stretch across her face.
It wasn't until his companion dashed off from her scandalous affair that Sebastian raised his head and locked their gaze. Her hazel eyes narrowed while his blue ones seemed to be filled with just the right amount of mirth to completely annoy her. His lips pulled up in the slightest bit of a smirk and, for good measure, he began adjusting his trousers and holster back to their proper place.
"Sebastian." she greeted as she passed, fully intending for that to be the end of their exchange. He had other plans as he fell in step with her, however.
"Andrea." He quipped back. "Off in a hurry?"
Andrea gestured to the fabric in her hand. "If you must know, I'm running an errand for her majesty. Delivering fabric to the seamstress."
"I would have thought that beneath you." He murmured. At her glare, he raised in his hands in defense and began to clarify his point. "I meant that Catherine saves her Squadron for more… observational and hands on tasks, typically towards nobles."
"You can speak plainly, Sebastian, it's just us." She informed him saucily. "You believed that Catherine only uses her special ladies to sleep with men. I hate to be the bearer of such heartbreaking news, but that would be a perfectly good waste of fine, educated ladies."
"Obviously." Bash played along, obviously enjoying their small game of wits and banter. "All of that education and it's used to deliver fabric from one part of the castle to another. What a complicated task."
"Is there something else you needed other than to completely annoy me?"
Bash raised an eyebrow at her. "Last I remembered, we had agreed to a friendship."
"Friends can be annoying too." Andrea noted. "You're a walking example."
"Ouch. Careful, Andrea, I might think you're trying to hurt my feelings."
"Well, I do try." She said with a small smirk. "So, what was her name? Is she a lady?"
"Why the curiosity?" He breathed out, reaching up to rearrange his undone buttons. "I'll tell of my rendezvous' when you tell of yours."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "A lady doesn't kiss and tell."
"And neither does a gentleman." He said, giving her a mock bow. "So there has been kissing?"
Andrea let out an annoyed and audible sigh and turned to look at him, her eyebrow raised in an exasperated fashion. "Not since you, unfortunately."
His smirk only widened. "I don't remember you complaining then. A few gasps and other noises, yes…"
Andrea shook her head at the man, a smile threatening to pull at her lips at how absolutely ludicrous their conversation was currently. It reminded of her of how they used to be before even their romance had came to fruition. "Does constantly flirting with everyone get exhausting?"
"I haven't tired yet." He said with a brief shrug of his shoulders, a bright smile on his face that threatened to melt her very heart. She wanted to curse at him and the effect that he had on her very being, but she knew that she could never do such a thing while exposed. Plus, she would never give him the satisfaction of knowing just how much influence he had over her person. She tilted her head ever so slightly, watching as his lips moved and his blue eyes seemed to brighten in the glint of the day's light. His beard framed his face nicely, giving him a roguish look that complimented his personality. A few scars littered his face, obviously from hunting and fighting. "...Andrea?"
She blinked as his voice slowly eased back into her world. Bash stared at her in slight confusion, obviously a bit concerned for the woman in front of him. "Oh um…" She shook her head. "I didn't hear a single word you said."
"Obviously." He said, grinning at her blunt and honest response. "I asked if you were free for a bit of riding later?"
She frowned at him, all mirth that had been between them dissipating. "Are you sure that is a good idea?" She asked, looking around her to make sure that there was no one near to hear them. "After… the other day's events, I thought we decided that it was best to be cordial to one another."
"Is riding horses together not cordial?" Bash said, his eyebrows furrowing.
She sighed. "You know what I meant. A few days ago, you were… admitting some very personal things and I was wistfully lamenting my bad luck. I didn't think it wise for us to… be that way again. To spend time with one another in anything other than a formal situation. We are members of the same court, we should remember our manners."
His expression sobered into something much more serious and he straightened his stature. Andrea couldn't help but feel a hint of sadness at the change in mood and formality between them. No matter how necessary it was.
"Forgive me then, Lady La Tremoille." He said, a bite to his words that turned her sadness into frustration and anger. "For a moment, I thought that two people who have known each other since their childhoods would be able to spend a bit of time together."
"Do not blame me for this, you are the one that insists on complicating things." Andrea admonished. "One moment you're angry and brooding and the next you're talking to me as if nothing ever happened."
"I complicate things? If I remember correctly, you kissed me."
"It wasn't as if you pushed me away!"
"Because what man in his right mind would push away the advances of a beautiful woman?!"
"Perhaps the man that knows that he has to!"
They both stared at each other, their anger building to a crescendo. Her heart pounded in her chest and threatened to break clear through her body, with anger and an onslaught of complicated emotions coursing through her veins. Bash looked frustrated as well and ran a hand through his already unruly, black locks.
"We can't keep fighting like this."
"Agreed." Andrea said with an affirmative nod, clenching her arms tighter around herself. "It's childish."
"And we are hardly children." He surmised, breathing a quick puff of air. "We should behave as the adults that we are."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Monsieur De Poitier!" Both of their heads snapped to the voice, finding the source in a page running down the halls. Bash's expression suddenly grew dangerously serious and stepped in front of her, ready to accept whatever message the man had. She frowned at the expression, finding his instant transition into soldier-hood a bit disturbing.
"What is it?" Bash said, an edge to his tone that she could only categorize as anticipation.
The page heaved in breaths trying to get his bearings, his face flushed red from his haste. "T-the English have amassed at the coast. The French ship carrying Prince Charles' betrothed took on water and the English gave rescue. They sent an envoy ahead as a show of peace."
"And Mary and Francis don't know." Andrea murmured, looking to Bash with worry.
The page nodded. "The king has ordered that his fastest rider deliver the message with haste!"
Which was Bash, of course. Without a hint of hesitance, he started down the hall with the other in tow, leaving Andrea to her devices. She could only watch, worry pooling in her stomach.
~For Country and Blood~
Andrea hated the English. It wasn't for reasons as fickle as loyalty to her King and an abundance of French pride. No, she hated them for entirely personal pain.
Her most ill kept secret was probably about her family. How at once they were prosperous, respected, and held titles that would make them nobility. A few bad dealings with the English, however, left their family ruined for generations. One of her great uncles was charged with treason and executed, forfeiting his titles, his land and his wealth to the crown. An aunt of hers had her reputation ruined by Queen Catherine of Aragon, deeming her unable to marry any agreeable gentleman of fortune, and then her father…
Her father's mistakes were shared equally between he and the English crown. He had tried so hard to redeem their family name that the quest eventually consumed him. He and her older brother were forced to flee France due to their crimes and England banished them from their lands after seizing what little money they had left for the crown.
In her eyes, England had done damage to her family again and again over the years and she had bore the brunt of it. She and her family's situations were the result of England's greed and for that, she despised them. Their constant looming threat towards France only made her hatred grow more. And here she was, living among them as they were greeted as guests of King Henry's.
"Look at all the guards. As if Colin would ever willingly return."
Andrea glanced over at Lola as they watched the merriment of the day take place. Amongst all of the excitement of the English's arrival at court and news of Colin's survival, the King and Queen saw it fit to bring a lighter tone to their court the next morning. It was like a pretty mask on a most ugly situation. Her gaze shot to Mary and Francis as they conversed with one another, genuinely looking like a happy and comfortable couple. Andrea didn't know whether to be happy or worried. On one hand, seeing Francis so content and happy warmed her heart. He deserved it. But on the other… She looked over to Catherine as she strolled beside the King, ignoring her husband as he bent to kiss the hand of a pretty young woman that they passed.
Kenna frowned. "Who is the King talking to?"
Greer shrugged, unconcerned with the view. "Anyone he likes since he has no use for the Queen and his mistress, Diane, is away." She told her.
The King looked back to them and smiled. While anyone would believe it was a simple greeting to his new subjects, Andrea saw clear as day that it was directed to the beautiful brunette beside her. She watched Kenna stiffen under the King's gaze and Andrea frowned before gripping Kenna's hand and pulling her towards her.
"Am I right in assuming that the King was smiling at you just now?" Andrea whispered to her, her voice harsh.
Kenna's eyes widened and she quickly yanked Andrea away from the earshot of their friends. The other three girls didn't seem to notice as they slipped away, too enamored with watching Charles and Madeleine play.
"Keep your voice down, someone might hear you!" Kenna hissed, her eyes darting around to make sure that no one could hear them.
Andrea groaned and held a hand to her temple as she felt a headache forming at the drama of it all. "Oh Kenna, the King? He's married!"
"I know that! Nothing is going on!" Kenna said, her expression desperate and her cheeks flushed from the embarrassment. "The King… he simply… We had a moment and-"
"Kenna..." Andrea breathed deep, trying to mold her tone into a sympathetic and concerned one. "The King has moments with lots of girls, most of them young, like you. They never last."
"You weren't there." Kenna said. "You didn't see how it was. How he treated me."
"I didn't have to be there to know how he treated you." Andrea pushed, watching the girl's face carefully. "Remember, I grew up in this castle. I've seen many girls fall for the King's charms and then fall into his bed. Then, they either left court with ruined reputations or were never heard from again. And after all of that, he returned to Diane's waiting arms. It's a pattern." She grabbed Kenna's hand again to drive her eyes back to her as they drifted to the King was once again. "I can't tell you what to do, but please, promise me that you'll be careful."
Kenna pursed her lips into a frown but nodded all the same. Andrea let out a breath of relief and followed her back to their small group. Sebastian entered the courtyard with a few of his friends, hunting partners from the way they all carried themselves. Bash met her eyes for a moment before frowning and turning away, making her roll her eyes at his childishness.
"Lady La Tremoille," Andrea's posture immediately straightened as she turned to the person trying to get her attention. Her other four companions turned as well, looking over the man as he approached. He was handsome, with light brown hair and green eyes framed in thick lashes. He was clean shaven, proper-looking. It was obvious that he was nobility of sorts. He smiled at her and took her hand to place a kiss at her knuckles in greeting, an act that made her raise a brow. "It is lovely to see you again."
Andrea glanced at her fellow ladies as they eyed the man themselves. Kenna held an obvious sly grin which she directed at Andrea specifically. "I don't remember us meeting." She winced when Kenna elbowed her slightly, giving her an incredulous look. She quickly corrected herself as she watched the man's face falter, putting a fairly convincing dubious smile on her face.. "I do apologize however. My memory, you know?"
"Of course, I completely understand." He said with an affirmative nod. "I wouldn't expect you to remember me, however. We were just children the last time we saw one another. You used to tease me for being frightened of that dragon you rumored lurked in the dungeons. I think you called me the Duke of-"
"Cowardice." Andrea finished before quickly clasping her mouth shut. Lola shook her head at her while the other three laughed at her expense. Andrea groaned internally and gave the man an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, I was a silly child then. You were the son of the Duke of Nemours, yes? Lord Samuel."
"So you do remember." He said with a chuckle, seemingly unbothered by her outburst. "Don't worry about offending me. As you said, we were children. I'm the Duke of Nemours now, since my father passed the title to me."
"What brings you to court?" Greer asked, joining the conversation. Andrea silently thanked her for intruding, finding herself completely blundering the conversation.
Samuel gestured to the King. "I had some meetings with his Highness and when they were done, I thought it was fit to stay for the festivities." His eyes were on Andrea once more. "Especially when my first kiss has also returned to court."
All eyes were on her then. Andrea felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment and had the Queen been present, she would have scolded her for behaving as a young, blubbering girl. Remembering her teachings, she tilted her chin higher and raised a brow at him.
"Is that any way to address a woman my lord?" she challenged. "Especially one who once teased you? Perhaps I'll have a chat with that dragon and ask him to make a reappearance?"
As Samuel gave a bark of laughter, Mary's ladies gaped at her very bold response. Satisfied, she let a very sly smile slide onto her face.
"You're still just as witty as I remember." he said with a wide smile. "Perhaps you might join me for a walk through the gardens one day? We can trade wits and reminisce of old times?"
The request shocked her into silence. An air of anticipation fluttered and wafted around her. As she sputtered and tried to come up with some answer for him. Her eye suddenly caught Bash looking at her with an unreadable expression. He was talking to Mary and the Queen paused in her conversation to follow his gaze. When their eyes met, she smiled and waved. Andrea returned it just as Bash set off. She pursed her lips and looked back to Samuel with a smile, trying to push the thought of that blue eyed man from her mind. "I would like that, Lord Samuel. You can fetch for me later."
"I will count down the hours." he said, before bowing to the ladies and walking away to rejoin the festivities.
Greer immediately wheeled to face her, a mixture of admiration and shock on her face. "You must teach me how to talk like that. You were so… poised!"
"And bold." Kenna said with a raise if her brow. "Being careful, are you?"
"As careful as I can be." Andrea shot back to her. "A walk is simply a walk. And that man couldn't try anything more if he paid for the privilege." Again the ladies were aghast at her bluntness, but didn't question it. They knew it was a normal occurrence with her by now. She looked to Queen Catherine and nodded to her respectfully. She returned it in kind before continuing her route through the picnic. "Besides," she muttered so that the chatting ladies wouldn't hear. "It's not as if anything could ever come of it."
~For Country and Blood~
"And she had the nerve to accuse my mother of treason!" Francis ranted, his body a coil of tension and irritation. "What else can I do but give her my word?"
Andrea looked at him sympathetically from her place on his bed. He had been pacing the length of his room since they had retreated there, in desperate need to get away from the eye of the court. "Francis, you'll put a hole right through that marble if you keep that up." She warned him.
"Why on Earth must she be so stubborn?" He seethed, ignoring her attempts to calm him. "I tell her that I support her position here and still she doesn't believe me. Am I dishonest, Andrea? Do I give off some air of distrust?"
Andrea sighed and gave him a stern and worried look. "Francis, for God's sake, stand in one spot for a moment!" He did as she said at her sharp time, but took to crossing his arms over his chest while he stewed in his anger. "Now, calm down. It was one simple fight, as to be had with any engaged couple."
"We are not "any engaged couple", we're rulers." He said. "Surely my words should mean something to her, we might one day rule side by side. The word of the man she may one day marry should be enough."
"It should." Andrea agreed. "But those words, Francis… "Might" and "may". Even I don't trust them coming from your lips and we've known each other since we were ten." She caught the prince off before he could move to argue. "I know you very well. I know that when you make a promise, you do everything in your power to keep it." She stood and took Francis' hand, unravelling his tense demeanor. "But Mary doesn't know you. She knows a version of you from a time you both barely remember. The man that she sees now is someone she respects, yes, but not someone she trusts. To her… your promise is hollow."
Francis stared at her for a moment, knowing that what she said was right. The stirring anger in him slowly dissipated until he stood defeated before her. "Then how do I solidify my promise to her?"
"You know how." Andrea said, making him sigh deeply. "And as you cannot bring yourself to do that then… prove yourself some other way. Show her the man that I adore and admire… and frequently tease." The joke brought a small smile to his face. She smiled in return. "There we are. I don't like it when you brood. It doesn't fit you well."
Francis sighed as she turned back to sit back unceremoniously on his bed again. "I know." He grumbled before coming to sit beside her. A smirk slid on his face as he watched her settle back against his pillows as if it was her own bed. "Did I see you speaking with the Duke of Nemours earlier?"
Andrea groaned and pulled a pillow over her face to hide her embarrassment. "Oh God, I made a fool of myself too. I called him the Duke of Cowardice, Francis! Cowardice! What is wrong with me?"
"Shall I begin a list or would you like a more verbal affirmation? It may take a few hours." Andrea lifted the pillow to glare at her friend, earning a laugh from the man. He patted her leg to comfort her. "I'm sure it wasn't as awful as it may seem."
"Really?" Andrea drawled in disbelief. "Have you ever repeated a teasing name to Mary? Perhaps made a comment about her skinny legs?"
"And risk my head?" Francis shook his head in mirth. "Do you fancy him then? The Duke?"
Andrea pursed her lips in thought and shrugged her shoulders. "I wouldn't know. The only thing I remembered of him is how he cried when a rat wandered into the ballroom from the kitchens. He's certainly handsome, a little boring if anything."
"And you are anything but boring." He told her. His expression turned serious for a moment. "But then there's my mother's rule for you… about marriage."
"Yes, there is that." Andrea murmured thoughtfully. "I am not to marry in her service unless she allows it."
Francis stared at her for a moment, a frown marring his face. "I worry about your… arrangement with my mother. Her ladies are not known for their piety."
"Are you worried about my piety now?"
"Only your heart." He told her honestly. "You are my oldest and closest friend, save my brother. To think of you used in such a way-"
"Then don't think of it." She told him gently, feeling an uncomfortable tug in her heart at the mention of her life's service "Unless you would speak against your mother."
"Speak against her about her flying ladies? You truly don't wish for me to keep my head." She couldn't help the tearful laugh that escaped her and he smiled at the sound of it. "But… I will protect you. If there's anything you ever need, I will be there to help you. And I will try to appeal to my mother's better nature to keep you from doing… that."
"From sleeping with men for gain?" She said with a heavy sigh as he winced. "I accepted my lot in life the day your mother sent me to Italy. It's alright." She took his hand in her's. "I know that you'll always be there for me, as I will be there for you."
Francis smiled at her just as a rapid knocking sounded at his door. "Dauphin! There has been an attack in the Queen of Scotland's chambers!"
In the blink of an eye and faster than even Andrea could comprehend, Francis was off of the bed.. He looked back at her before he darted out of the door, his eyes filled with worry. "Andrea, go to your room immediately and lock your door! Our guards will escort you there."
She barely managed to nod before he was gone with his sword in hand. A dozen questions and worries already ran through her head. Her worst fear was that Catherine had taken drastic measures in her dislike for the younger Queen. She quickly dismissed the thought as she thought of how clever her mistress actually was. The woman could kill the Queen of Scots before anyone realized what happened. And, she would make it look like an accident.
Someone else was trying to kill the Queen of Scots. And she'd bet any amount of ducats that their English guests were at the center of the plot.
~For Country and Blood~
"A dead girl in the Queen of Scots' chambers? Oh for heaven's sake." Catherine said with a roll of her eyes as she sat at her vanity. "You would think the English would have a little more tact in their attempts against her life. Seems the Tudor Queen has lost her touch in her short, bloody reign."
"So you do believe the English did it?" Andrea said as she sat on the other side of the room, a thoughtful frown on her face.
Catherine gave a light shrug as she fixed her hair in the mirror. "Well why not? England wants her country and her crown. They'll take it off of her recently decapitated head if they have to. Mary Tudor was always good at that."
They had yet to find the poisoned girl that Mary came upon in her chambers, but that didn't make the threat against her person any less real. After the guards had deemed it safe to navigate the castle once again, Andrea immediately went to the Queen to report what had happened. The relief she felt when it was revealed Catherine had nothing to do with it and was just as surprised as she was immeasurable.
Andrea nodded and sipped her tea, knowing that what the Queen said was true. "I always knew the English were bold, but to do such a thing in the castle of a nation that they are at peace with…"
"There is never peace between nations, my dear." Catherine told her in a sage-like fashion. "Only a stay of war. Royals are always grasping for power and they'll try and take it whenever the opportunity rises."
"It sounds exhausting to want so much." Andrea noted. "That boy, Colin… how did he manage to escape?"
Catherine shrugged, seeming undisturbed by the mention of the now dead Scottish boy. "The guards mark prisoner's cells with a red "x" when they are meant to be executed. Seems another boy's was mistakenly marked, a thief meant to be tortured."
"So the wrong boy was killed because of a mistake?" Andrea said in disbelief. "How horrible."
Catherine gave out a light hum of agreement before standing from her vanity and crossing to the table to join her lady. Andrea immediately poured her mistress a cup of tea and served it to her before returning to her own seat across from her.
"No more talk of that boy. Let him rest with his crimes. Tell me of your return to court." Catherine asked, dropping two cubes of sugar into her tea. "Is it going well?"
Andrea smiled and nodded. "Quite well, your majesty. Despite the… excitements that have happened, my work is done with ease and mostly everyone has been kind… Save some of my fellow members of your Flying Squad. They never did quite like me."
"How fickle." Catherine tutted. "If they ever cross a line-"
"I can handle it, your majesty. You taught me well."
"I did" Catherine said in a proud fashion. "It was a long year with you gone. Full of incompetence and little to no one to speak to."
"I can say the same." Andrea told her, looking down at her tea cup. "Venice was… beautiful, as you always described, but it was lonely too. It was your and my family's letters that brought me some solace, and Francis' as well. My education was quite thorough."
"As it should be with how much I paid for the privilege." Catherine said with a small chuckle. "For what is a woman without her mind and wit?"
"A waste of potential." Andrea recited, remembering the words Catherine had said to her when she was just a little girl. "I remember." She bit her lip for a moment and stared into the dark, murky liquid in her fine porcelain tea cup. "I had a question, your Grace."
Catherine raised a brow at her expectantly. "Alright."
"I noticed something, while we were at the wedding." Andrea began, going through the words tentatively. "When I offered to gather information on the Duke of Anjou, you seemed against it. Even so with the Duke of Guyenne, you gave that task to Gabrielle."
"Gabrielle has seniority with the Duke, I thought it best." Catherine said, narrowing her eyes. "Are you questioning my decisions?"
"I'm only questioning your faith in me." Andrea said. "Or lack thereof"
"You think I don't trust you to do your job well." Catherine concluded.
"Is it because I'm… a virgin?" Andrea said, her voice small as she approached the question delicately. "I might not be experienced, but you sent me to Italy to train for any situation. Seduction being one of many."
"Andrea…" Catherine said with a sigh, trying to interrupt the rambling girl.
"I simply don't want you to coddle me because of that fact. I can handle it-"
"Andrea!" Catherine exclaimed forcefully, stopping the girl's long trail of words. Andrea stared at her with confused and embarrassed eyes, knowing that she had overstepped. Catherine pursed her lips for a moment before setting down her tea and reaching across the table to take Andrea's hand. The touch was familiar, as it should never have been between servant and mistress. But Andrea and Catherine were different. Everyone in court knew so. It was why Andrea was hated by her fellow ladies and why Catherine's husband spent a little bit more time than he liked comparing their facial features for any resemblance.
Catherine patted the top of Andrea's small hand, a soft smile gracing her lips. "When you came to live here at the age of ten, you were a scared little girl who had been on her own for much too long. When Henry demanded to know why I let this small, red headed peasant girl stay in our home, I told him the truth of our arrangement. Told him that you would be of use to us. He thought that you were my child from a lover, a deliberate disrespect. I saw to it to risk my own neck and quelch any such rumors." She sighed. "The truth of it was, I saw myself in you. A girl forced to grow up too soon for the sake of family. Who had lost her parents and had to fight to survive."
"Your Grace…" Andrea began to say in a quiet tone, only to be silenced by the Queen's next words.
"I feel responsible for you." Catherine admitted. "As I do my own children. It is why I take such measures, why I refuse to allow you to bed noblemen like my other ladies. Do you know what manipulates men more than flesh at their fingertips?" Andrea shook her head, dazed and surprised at the Queen's revealing words. "Flesh that they cannot touch. It drives men mad when they cannot have something that they want, it makes them foolish and reckless. And I would use that to my advantage."
"You want me to stay a virgin." Andrea realized. "To be the thing that men cannot have."
"To be the thing that men would divulge their darkest secrets for the chance to have in their grasp." Catherine corrected her. "You have the ability to alter the course of political tides and you won't even have to lift your skirt. Be happier, darling."
"I…" Andrea didn't know what to say. She stared at Catherine with a frown as she ran her words through her head. All this time she had been mulling over the day when she would have to have sex with an older nobleman she didn't know or care about for Catherine's gain. She had spent the past year mentally preparing herself for the moment, hardening herself against it. Now she was being told she wouldn't have to.
Thankfully, there was a knock at Catherine's door that kept her from answering. "Enter." Catherine called out, lifting her tea once again and bringing it to her lips.
Her page entered the room and bowed lowly. "The Dauphin wishes to see you in the throne room, your Majesty."
Catherine raised a brow in curiosity before flicking her hand to dismiss him. As she stood, Andrea did as well, still in a state of shock at the revelation. "You are dismissed for the evening," Catherine told her as she made her way to her door. "Think about my words, Andrea, and prepare yourself for what is to come."
In true Catherine de Medici fashion, she waltzed from the room with those ominous words. Andrea processed the words as she made her way to her own chambers. On one hand, she was happy. Incredibly so and it took everything not to burst into happy tears. On the other, she felt that her place in court had shifted. Her body wouldn't be used as a toy for Catherine's gain, she wouldn't have to betray her heart to bed men she wouldn't like. So what was she? Not a daughter to Catherine, but treated like one. A servant, but not. A Flying Lady that was unlike the others in her squadron. She would still lie, still betray others in the name of Catherine de Medici. She would still never be able to love freely.
But in a sense, she was much more free than she was before. And she thanked God in her mind for that opportunity.
She let her shoulders sag once she was within the security of her own room. With nimble and quick fingers, she undid her dress and pulled the pins that kept her hair from her face. With every layer that fell forgotten to her bedroom floor, she felt more and more at ease until she was bare and happy to be so. Once she was dressed and done with her nightly routine, she made her way to her bed as she ran her fingers through her long blonde hair to shake loose any knots. She never thought she would enjoy seeing her bed as much as she did and her skin was tingling with anticipation when she pulled back her covers. It took her a moment to process it, the red streaks of paint that coated her sheets and marked her for something insidious.
A scream ripped from her throat and echoed down the darkened halls of the castle. And in a dark, forgotten tunnel that no one visited, a girl listened to it with glee.
A/n Ayo new chapter! Tell me what you think!