Author: Robin LaFevers
“That is precisely what the convent explained to us, my lord. ” with the exception of the barons being bribed by the French regent, but I will bite off my tongue before admitting that to him.
“There are two things we must do,” he continues, as if I have not spoken. “Secure a strong marriage alliance for the duchess, and see her crowned. Both are made more difficult by the French envoy’s presence here at court. what do you know of Anne’s suitors?” he asks.
“That she was dangled like bait in front of all the princes in Christendom and promised to nearly half of those,” I say.
Duval’s lips twist in a sour smile. “Precisely so. However, the one who is most determined to ensure that promise is kept is Count d’Albret. His suit has some support among the Privy Council, as well as among the barons. He has a number of large holdings and thousands of men-at-arms that he can call upon to fight against the French. It does not hurt his cause any that his half sister, the duchess’s governess of many years, sits on the Privy Council. She is much in favor of his suit. The duchess herself, however, is greatly opposed to the match, as am I. ”
"Why?” I ask, genuinely curious.
He looks at me, incredulous. “You have seen the man. ”
“Not truly. He was surrounded by his outriders yesterday. I only caught a glimpse of his bulk and his poor lathered horse. ”
“Yes, well, he treats his wives much as he does his horses, but he goes through wives much faster. ”
His words strike a chord of memory. “Six,” I say, remembering Sister Eonette’s teachings. “He has had six wives so far. Indeed, he has gained much of his wealth and many of his holdings through those marriages. ”
Duval plucks a black knight from the board and scowls at it viciously. “You will forgive me if I mislike those odds. ”
I gape at him. "What are you suggesting?”
His jaw twitches. “Only that marriage and childbirth are hard on women, especially d’Albret women. Besides, I harbor suspicions of his role in our final and losing battle with the French. ”
“But I thought d’Albret rode to our rescue with four thousand troops?”
“Yes, but he was supposed to charge the center with those troops during the battle, and instead they hung back. I cannot decide if it was due to the normal chaos of battle or some ulterior purpose. ”
I am quiet a long moment as I ponder the many reasons d’Albret would be a most unsuitable match. “But surely he is not the only one of Anne’s suitors who wants to claim her hand? She has been promised to so very many. ”
Duval drops the chess piece back on the board, then holds up his hand. “The Spanish prince is too ill right now to think of pursuing his betrothal agreement, although his royal parents have offered fifteen hundred troops to aid us. The english prince went missing from his tower over five years ago and is unable to follow through with those betrothal plans. Two of the other contenders are already married, although they are seeking annulments from the pope even as we speak. That leaves the Holy Roman emperor. He is by all accounts a good leader and a decent man, as well as a powerful ruler over both Germany and the Holy Roman empire. But he is mired in wars of his own and cannot send us any aid. Further, if we betroth Anne to the Holy Roman emperor, France will call it an act of war, and we will need troops to defend the alliance. ”
“Thus the plea to england for support. ”
"Exactly so. And we still do not know which side the english king will favor. ”
I stare at the board, painfully aware just how desperate the duchess’s situation is. “She is well and truly under siege then,” I murmur.
“That is a most excellent assessment of the situation, I’m afraid. ” Duval’s gaze lingers on me for a long moment before he reaches toward the board once more. He lifts up a discarded white pawn and sets it in front of the white queen.
"Who is that, my lord?”
When he looks up, his eyes are so dark they seem almost black. “You,” he says, our eyes holding for a long moment. “I can count you among those loyal to the duchess, can’t I?”
“Of course, my lord,” I murmur, struggling against the unexpected warmth his words bring me. But, I remind myself, I am not the issue. Better for me to ask if I can count him among those loyal to the duchess. Instead, I look back down at the board and wonder what piece Duval has assigned to himself.
Chapter Eighteen
I stand among a gaggle of women who are clucking and honking like a flock of geese. They are tugging and pulling and patting and smoothing until I fear I will scream. Instead, I stare out the window at the lengthening shadows and wonder how they would react if they knew what I planned to hide under this fine skirt and these elaborate sleeves.
Louyse gives a final tug, then steps back. “You look a wonder, demoiselle. ” There is a warm glow in her old cheeks.
Young Agnez clasps her hands together as if in prayer. “It is the finest thing I’ve ever seen. ”
I want to dismiss their foolish prattle, but as I finger the heavy silken brocade, I cannot help but agree. I do not know where these seamstresses have found this gown or whose it was supposed to be, but it is mine now, and I must remind myself that assassins should take no pleasure in their finery and frippery.
But surely even a knight can admire his armor?
“Go get the mirror from the master’s chambers,” Louyse tells the others.
“That is not necessary,” I tell her. “I trust what you have done. ”
“Pish. ” Louyse flaps her hand. “You should see how lovely you look. ”
I realize then how much she misses having a lady of the manor. I also realize that she does indeed know that Duval has spent the night in my room and is much pleased by it. The housekeeper appears to have a taste for romance, and I do not have the heart to take that from her, so I keep silent.
Agnez and the other two women return to the room, lugging the heavy mirror between them. when they lean it against the wall, Louyse takes my hand and gently pulls me toward it. “There. ” The triumph in her voice is unmistakable.
"Well? what do you think?” Young Agnez is practically bouncing on her toes in her excitement.