Читать книгу Captive mistress. English-language novels - Elaine Neksli - Страница 8

Arabella and the king lay in the hayloft, staring out at the night studded with stars, the sky. Young woman felt in the soul of the mortal smell of love, which was interpreted by the poets in their verses and singing the medieval troubadours. The mistress of the young man smiled, thinking that her ordinary commoner, fell in love with the monarch of France.

– Why did you chose me? I was a simple poor girl who came in a luxury ball, hosted by the charming Lord of these lands. I used to think that no hobo will not want to touch me, and then I know the world of eternity in the arms of the nobles. Really they say, God works in mysterious ways…

– You’re not like everyone else. You are special, tender, but also playful, passionate and daring. Your brilliant mind and dazzling charm, has no equal. When I saw you that day, in a gloomy gallery in my head flashed the thought «If I don’t possess the heart and soul of this virgin, I’m not king of France». Sire hugged his lover and gently slid lips over her cheek.

– How do we do now? the joy disappeared from the voices of the lovely ladies: I’m only your lover, but I’ll never be… his wife.

Arabella looked at her master and noticed how he paled. Louis ' eyes seemed to have frozen, but the smile was forever wiped from his face.

– What’s wrong with you? – thoughtfully asked the girl, touching her soft palm the cheeks of the beloved. The king, with downcast eyes, rose from the hayloft and began to quickly pull his white shirt: – get Dressed. We got to go.

Young woman a small smile, shook his head: – are You going to answer, the monarch turned so sharply that it felt like it suddenly burned a fire. Brown eyes narrowed and face flushed crimson. Girl for the first time really startled by the anger this man. The French wanted to protest, but Louis interrupted her with an angry cry: – Mademoiselle, I’m not going to expect You! Quickly get dressed and follow me!

The young woman rose, and coming to the Lord, put his hand on his shoulder: – are You mad at me… But why?

Louis took Arabella by the wrist and gently kissed her fingers: – How can I be angry with you, Oh, my lovely angel? You’re everything to me: food, drink, air, earth, water, the sun and the moon. Without you I am nothing, nor the king, neither man nor man. Your hair, your eyes and mouth – for me the most beautiful in this world. Do not worry for nothing, my love, – the Lord has his hand to his lush lips of Mademoiselle de Frase.

– Then tell me, what will I be for you: wife or concubine?

– We’ll talk about it then, the king leaned over and handed Arabella her dress: – now, come on.

The girl, wearing the outfit that went after the Governor. He brought the French out of the basement and calling the footman, said: «While my lady settled in her old room. Later I’ll have to find the best apartments with terrace and maids room. And yet, call me in my chambers Mrs. Mocenigo.

The king went to his bedchamber. In his heart raged a strange feeling, both pleasurable and frightening. «Arabella murmured the monarch. This name seemed to the king bittersweet. It was in harmony, peace, but worry, fear. Louis walked over to the fireplace, watching the fire that consumes the dry branches. So needless to experience and destroyed in the soul Louie, everything is fine.

A knock at the door interrupted the thinking of the sovereign. In the nearly silent office came a gentleman.

– Your Majesty, You wished to see me?

– Meet Mocenigo, – the Lord sat at the table: – Declare all that now, miss Arabella de Frase is my legitimate favorite, bring her in the highest rank of lady-in-waiting and best mark chambers in this Palace. I increase her monthly salary to four times.

The gentleman raised his eyes. The Italian knew his master, imperious and severe, which no one really disliked, and now he’s with passionate fervor was talking about a beautiful French woman.

– Mocenigo, I have found happiness and peace near Arabella. Her lips, eyes and voice became my Paradise. But you… when you find your love? – with a smile asked forces.

The young man flushed, but his eyes went cold and went out: «Your Majesty, my beloved wife Clarissa was everything to me. You know, her dying is still in my ears. As much as I tried, I can’t forget her.

«My friend, your wife was very good woman. But, dying, she wanted for you was happiness. May she live forever in your memory but in your heart needs to appear different.

Wound, aching for many years, will not be delayed for another moment. And I am proud that this bloody scar, like a fragrant rose, reminds me of Clarissa, wishing to translate the conversation in a more pleasant direction, a gentleman told: – Sir, today there arrived a messenger, he brought a letter from her Majesty Marie de Medici.

– Well, call him. Let’s see what wishes, mother, "Signor several times clapped his hands, ordering rascaldom to enter. The young man bowed respectfully, and held out a neatly folded sheet of paper, stapled heavy, the Royal seal.

– Hey, man, how the Queen mother? I hope in good health?

– With the Queen-mother well, it is night and day prays for your well-being meters. The wedding planning is in full swing, my Lord.

In the office silence. Mocenigo was embarrassed, dropped his eyes, sympathetically glancing at the king. The Italian knew perfectly well that his master does not want this marriage, but not dared to oppose his majestic mother. And miss Arabella would not stand such a blow.

– Tell the Queen that let the Infanta is not yet come. I’m too busy to meet the Princess bride. The rest I personally write my mother, and you’ll give the letter. The audience was over.

When the messenger left the chambers, Signor, at the behest of the king, began to read:

«Oh, my great son, the ruler and brave warrior, the Lord Almighty grant you good health and happiness! I’ve heard rumors about blessed be your glorious deeds. The whole nation admires you, and not cease to say that the mighty monarch gave homes to poor people, widows and the elderly, orphans ordered to write to the local guest houses and monasteries, built new estates! Now no one is hungry and begging. I hope that soon, with the permission of the Almighty, take grandchildren on hand, and our glorious dynasty will continue. Bless you, my Lord.

The Queen mother Marie de Medici»

– Write the lady that if her desire to marry me is so great, I will submit to him and will wait for her wedding day. You can go.

– As you command, Your Majesty, – bowed, nobleman departed.

***

Jesse diligently combed the hair of Arabella, because the young mistress was preparing for the upcoming night with the king.

«Today I am going with Louis, – sweetly handed it to the girl, meticulously examining his face in a small, gold mirror.

You were very lucky, mA’am. Not everyone has the opportunity to become the lover of the monarch, thoughtfully, "replied the maid.

– Are you jealous? – smiled beauty.

– What Are You? I’m just proud of You, my lady, rising from the couch, the girl was put on the scarlet lips and the brilliant lipstick: is My outfit ready?

– Of course, Mademoiselle. The seamstress was able to create out of the ordinary piece of fabric a real work of art.

Dressed in a white dress made of smooth silk and decorated with pearl beads, a young woman went into the bedchamber of the Lord.

– The king awaits me, "said the guards Arabella. Bowing, the guards missed the favorite.

Once inside the chambers, the girl with a smile bowed in reverence. The king ordered his mistress to come: – Oh, my beloved, come you lit up these gloomy walls.

The daughter of the Duke sat down opposite Louis and wrapped her arms about his strong shoulders, gently muttering: «I’m so over you missed. My Lord, Lord of my heart, without you, not nice to me nor days, nor nights, for you are my sun and moon.

– I’ve been thinking all day about you, my beautiful maiden. Your eyes, like stars, illuminate my true path. I swear, I’ve never felt my heart, soul, body and mind belong to the most beautiful woman.

– This is what I dream of. For me the most important thing is to be your place of happiness and peace. Because only with me you will gain it all, "Arabella de Frase lowered his blue, beautiful eyes.

– You doubt my love? – in the voice of Syrah came the rebuke, and she regretted that he had spoken these words.

– What are you? I have no doubt, and just want to hear it with my own ears. To hear what I am to you only, and no other, and never will be!

– Then listen, – the ruler touched the lips of Arabella’s lips and whispered: – You are the one, special, unique. In the whole world no other, because you’re my fiancée, mistress, lover. Those lips, eyes, hair. Don’t doubt me, rose. My loyalty and love for you is boundless, Louis gently put his arm around Arabella.

The following days stretched with a constant serenity. A young woman has entered the rank of lady-in-waiting, and now she can with ease and dignity attend balls and feasts. The king showered his young lover with all sorts of gifts: he was giving me expensive jeweler, luxurious dresses and Slavic fur, which was famous throughout Europe. Of course, she felt that in addition to monarch, Jesse and Mrs. Mocenigo her no one else loved in the Palace. Aristocrat saw the young mistress only rival, and he was angry on themselves because of the impossibility of even Flirty take a look in the direction of the adorable women.

But carefree life in a moment just collapsed. Louis began to move away from Arabella, coming up with pretexts and excuses. All night the girl waited for the Lord in the hope that he would come to her, will embrace, will kiss, but the young woman’s bed remained cold and empty.

– The Lord didn’t love her anymore, "he whispered to the court beauties.

Of course, Mademoiselle de Frase continued to believe in the love of his Majesty, but unless she could assume, what is actually the reason?

Once Arabella was out walking with Jesse in the garden. Cool wind developed the sparkling, red hair women in the wind, caressed the face, as if trying to comfort him, but pensive lady just aimlessly walked down the alley.

«Something the matter, Milady? You are so sad, "came the voice of a maid peeling off your face lace veil: – You don’t listen to gossip, walking around the Palace.

– I don’t listen to gossip, I listen to my heart. It feels the approach of trouble. I’m afraid of. Inside some nasty com, ' replied the lady, sadly contemplating the drops of dew on the green grass.

– Be calm, Mademoiselle. Rely on the mercy of the Lord, "smiled the maid, crossing himself three times, fending off misfortune.

Arabella turned to leave, but suddenly heard the cry of a Herald: His Majesty king Louis XIII! – the two girls sat down in a low curtsy. The Emperor came up to Arabella: What are you doing here so early?

– Lord, I went out, pale lips spoke Parisian.

Noticing the sadness on the face of the concubines, Louis gently raised her chin and looked into clouded unclear pain of the eye: – why are you so sad? Did something happen?

– Sir, – a young woman’s voice trembled and broke, and the eyes were full of tears:

– Why are you avoiding me? What did I do wrong? Don’t you love me? The ruler of France smiled, but abruptly withdrew his hand, as if sensing the touch of fire: – Silly, where in your head these thoughts? Dry your tears, don’t cry. The mistress of the king do not go to these silver tracks on her cheeks, suddenly in the voice, Louis felt the icy steel, and his eyes flashed a ruthless spark of hatred and anger: – You have to be obedient and quiet, to do everything that I say. Trust me, it’s for your own good. If I several times rejected your «invitation» for the night, so I had to. Tonight come to me tonight.

When the monarch had gone, Mademoiselle continued to stand motionless. It seemed to her that inside, everything is enveloped in fire. She didn’t understand why tears are still flowing cheeks, and the heart continues to race wildly inside. This wind that develops in the air the leaves and her hair, did not Bode well. Excitement choked Arabella. Sudden rain washed away from the face of Parisian beauties salty drops, but also sowed confusion in the minds of girls. With the first clap of thunder the young woman realized that the king was suspected of treason and infidelity. But this thought pierced by a fiery arrow don’t mind the French, and her heart. To through not to get wet, the lady went briskly up the marble staircase, flooded with rain.

On the evening of the sad beauty was sitting in front of the fire and reading an ancient book. She wasn’t going to night with Louis, because I knew deep down that this night will not. Jesse, bringing her mistress a glass of water, asked in surprise: «are You ready? The hour is getting late.

– I think the monarch will not call me.

– Madam, but he himself said that he wants today to see You in his chambers.

– It’s only words…

– Milady, what is wrong with You? There something you hiding from me?

– Poor me, Jesse, very badly. I don’t understand why in the eyes of the Lord was the cold, the indifference, contempt. I’ve never noticed. Can be seen, there is some terrible secret.

– Here comes the footman, and say that his Majesty wants to take his beautiful, beloved mistress. Then You have dispelled doubt.

– God forbid, "sighed Arabella de Frase.

Suddenly there came a persistent knocking at the door and on the threshold appeared a servant.

– The monarch is calling me? – anxiously asked the young woman.

– No, Mademoiselle, his Majesty said that today’s don’t want You to see, and told them to cancel the preparations for the night.

Get out! – screamed the girl.

«Madam,» the confused footman made a hesitant step forward.

– Get out! Get out of my face! – the girl frantically got out of bed. Staggering, the unhappy went to the door, through which came the sound of steps moving away the frightened servants. The young mistress knew that it was time for the truth, no matter how bitter it was.

– My lady, please don’t do this! Don’t go there! The king even more angry! A woman can’t…

– I know, Jesse, that woman has nothing, she has no right to someone to disobey, to raise his eyes, to Express their opinion, has no right to be happy! But I will not be silent just because I am a woman! – the girl, like a storm, ran out from her chamber and ran down the corridor to the bedchamber of Louis. Arabella knew that will no longer tolerate the deceit and contempt on the part of the monarch. Either he loves her and will never betray or let openly about the affair. Fortunately, the guards were not at their posts and a young woman, suppressing his fear and uncertainty, came to the door, hearing the conversation perfectly, Signora Mocenigo and Louis.

– Your Majesty, it’s the message from king Philip III. Anne of Austria is on the way and will arrive soon to the Palace.

– Oh, if I could not take her marriage… This unwelcome marriage, like fetters, binds me with a Princess.

– But, sire, this is the wedding, the formality, the signature on the documents. You know what really will be nothing…

– No, my friend, will… Will be a real marriage. Not only the merging of two dynasties, but also the fusion of bodies. I had also thought, why did the kings survive, oppress themselves, suffer, marrying unloved, I thought, so easy to say: «You are only my Queen, but not his wife». It turns out that these words very difficult to pronounce. Mother wants to hold her grandchildren, how could I resist her will? This woman will lie down in my bed pure and undefiled virgin, and get up full consort to the monarch of France. The orders were not created to be broken, Mocenigo, – wanting to translate a Frank conversation in an official shape, the Archbishop said: – See that my bride was given the most luxurious room and the most industrious servants, and met, according to our tradition. Declare to all Europe that soon at the foot of the throne of the Bourbons sit Princess—the Princess of the Habsburg dynasty – Austrian Anna!

«As you wish, Your great Majesty! – bowed to the Italian.

Arabella swayed. On her forehead a cold sweat, my chest tightened, not allowing to breathe freely. The girl frantically grabbed the ledge of the wall, trying to stand on trembling legs. Honest monarch, worthy lover, a strong man, could not be so despicable to do that to my minion! Whatever it was, Arabella didn’t want to believe it. But this harsh reality forced myself to accept. Merciless fate decided to permanently separate the two lovers. Though perhaps it was not the share, and whimsy of Louis. The young woman closed her beautiful face ALGID hands. Now Mademoiselle de Frase had no strength even to tears and sobs. Inside was nothing but the emptiness so cold, barren, but at the same time and pour all-consuming fire. The pain seemed endless without the point touching the mind. The Duke’s daughter, did not dare to raise his eyes as the whole world seemed mired in hatred and suffering, and the walls squeezed on all sides.

Beauty with a trembling hand opened the door of the room master. The king, seeing the mistress, with displeasure looked at each other with their senior Advisor: – What is she doing here? – muttered the Royal son of Marie de Medici – Who let her in here without my permission?

– I’ll find everything out. Don’t worry, sir, "the nobleman quickly walked over to Arabella, ready to put her out the door like a common peasant, but suddenly the French woman swayed, and only through strong hands, Mocenigo managed to stand on the legs give way: – That with You?

The young woman raised his blank, red eyes, and, pushing the Italian, approached the table of the king: «You betrayed me, – the miserable voice came through the pain and regret.

Frowning, Louis has pretended that does not understand what he is talking about his mistress: – What do you mean? How dare you…

– Don’t deny it. I know that the Spanish Princess is your bride, future woman. But why?.. Do I deserve such treatment? What did I do wrong? That was loyal and obedient fool, fulfill all your whims? That for the sake of your false promises have left home, the mother, have forgotten their past? «Arabella felt like with every minute her eyes filled with salty drops, and the body trembles. Now the lovely mouth girls talked about everything that was on her broken heart. But even hundreds of truthful speeches and dialects could not tell that unbearable pain that felt abandoned woman. This fire burned a Frenchwoman from the inside, turned into raging flames, and even an ocean of tears could not put out, only revenge could overcome this awful feeling of emotional pain and torture harsh fate.

Rough and loud voice of the king brought the girl from sad thoughts: – who are You, that I have reported to you before?! The Queen, or my wife think you are?! Get out and don’t ever that to me to arrange! – Lord nodded, Mocenigo, that he brought a daring lover. But Arabella de Frase began to scream and to escape: – Kill me! Penalty! Do what you want! You’ve ruined me without butchers and without a sword, even when the first time had been deceived and betrayed! Even the most terrible blows of the whip is nothing compared to the wound that’s in my heart! But nobody, will never see, and will not understand what suffering can cause as it seems the most wonderful feeling on Earth. You know, love is sweet only in look but bitter to the taste. What do you say?! Needless to say, king?! Or did you realize what you’ve done?!

The monarch so abruptly jumped up from the table, a crystal decanter, filled with aromatic, dense wine, with a crash fell on the carpet and smashed to pieces. Louis angrily walked over to his mistress, and seizing her hand, hissed like a wild, enraged beast: – Immediately shut up. Otherwise…

– Otherwise what? haughtily asked the charming French.

Male jerk took from his belt a dagger with a Golden handle, and held a blade to the neck of a young woman: – Otherwise you will lose life, unworthy slave! I’ll kill you right here, on this spot, to deliver thee, like you said, from the love that lived in your heart! the king stared into the eyes of Arabella, anticipating what a feeling raging in her soul. Tears dripped from the eyes of the girl, but the monarch, in a region filled with rage, slashed her blade. The blade nicked his neck not shocked the French, and the lower part of the left cheek. Blood, like bloody flowers blossomed on the dagger. But Arabella had not even cried from the pain because this wound is nothing compared to the one that bleeds in the shower.

Mr. Mocenigo ran up to Louis and grabbed his wrist, anxiously said: «Not necessary, Your Majesty! Let go of the knife, please!

Monarch sharply pushed a young woman and hit him in the face so violently that the poor thing fell on the floor: Get rid of her. Don’t let this snake catches my eye! the nobleman gently lifted the French woman quietly, almost silently whispered, "for God’s Sake, shut up. Do not argue with the Lord.

The daughter of the Duke boldly grabbed his hand at the man.

– This sin will remain on you, king! – quickly having sat down in a curtsey, Arabella ran out of the chambers of the beloved.

The girl, once in the hallway, did not hold back their tears. She, sobbing, weeping, frantically turned to the Advisor of the Lord: – Why You didn’t tell me? You knew about it! As You is able to hide from me?!

– Mademoiselle, calm yourself. I don’t wish You harm. I just feared that, on learning of the wedding, You decide to prevent the arrival of the Infanta, and it will be the beginning of a bloody feud between the two dynasties. Look, I didn’t mean to say it, but I will: this marriage is a very important political move, a Union of States. The king can not because of love for a simple girl to disobey orders of the Queen mother, to go against the whole of Spain. The monarchs never married for love, and our Lord, a supporter of the laws and traditions that do not violate this rule. If You really love, then accept, otherwise everything will only get worse. Marriage and love never walked together under this roof. In these palaces, a hundred mistresses of the ancestors of the Bourbons, and each waited patiently for his sovereign, silent, obedient, got what I expected: property, honor and a rare night of love. Having embarked on a minion You from the very beginning agreed with such rules, without even knowing it. Arabella, You are still a concubine of the king, so it was to be. You belong to him, and he occasionally will belong to You.

French woman, swallowing her tears, replied, proudly raised his head: – the fact of the matter is that I remain only a concubine and not…, – the girl suddenly cried from a sharp pain. Fresh wound on his cheek continued to bleed.

My lady, You have a deep cut. You need to handle it immediately, "observed the gentleman, touching the bloody cheek of Mademoiselle de Frase.

Madam, moving away from the lady, suddenly hissed an evil voice, "Get off of me! Don’t touch me! – a young Parisian woman, sobbing, ran down the hallway. Nobleman a sad look accompanied Arabella. The man didn’t even try to catch up with the mistress of his master, to calm, to give friendly advice, for he knew perfectly well that if a woman has decided to revenge, she can’t get in the way because it will destroy any obstacles, however challenging they may be.

The girl fell to her knees and cried out, bringing the eye to the ceiling: – why, God?! For that you have taken me away from my life, with my beloved king?! What ushered in the love astray?! What did I do to You?! For what sins am I paying?! Have mercy, o Lord, your unworthy servant, that succumbed to the filthy Vice! Do not punish me more for this blow is the worst! Ice froze my heart, and the relentless fire burnt up the soul! This feeling, like an arrow, plunged into me, haunts me. Why he did it?! Why forced to suffer?! Is this the fee for my love and loyalty? Tell me, Oh, Heavens, what is more important: love in poverty, or loneliness in luxury? My eyes that devoured beautiful form of the beloved, drowning in tears, and in them, except the aching emptiness, nothing more. Why so harsh?

Arabella sat in the corner of the hallway and pulled his knees to his chin, clasping their trembling, bloody hands. Now she already did not cry, but it is a feeling of detachment from the world itself was terrible. It seemed that she was slowly drowning in the ocean of pain and those red, cold eyes never see a ray of sunshine.

He heard the steps… In the light of the dim lamps seemed vague, dark silhouette Jesse. A young maid with a cry fell back, seeing sitting in the shade Mademoiselle de Frase. Fresh blood ran down his cheek rejected mistress, but the French did not pay the slightest attention. The lady’s maid, frantically clutching a candle, went to his lady, and, quietly kneeling down, put his hand on the cold wrist Arabella: «What’s wrong, Milady? – Jesse’s voice was as dull and colorless as the voice of the daughter of the Duke.

The king’s mistress, her head turned away and groaned, but so softly that the maid was barely able to decipher the following words: – Take me to my room…

– Madam, where did You get this wound? Who dared You to do this?

– Do not dare to ask. Just do what I ordered, in the girl’s voice was heard commanding tone. Not for the first time Jesse felt only the jerk in front of mistress. Gently lifting my lady, the maid led her down the deserted, frightening corridors. English repeatedly asked Arabella, what is it that happened, but the Parisienne was silent, not taking his eyes from the extinct one dead point. It was clear that the king still struck a terrible blow to the one that recently called the beloved, the only rose in the spring garden.

Finally we saw the doors of the bedchamber Mademoiselle de Frase. The maid put Arabella on a soft bed, removing the top lady dress.

– Ma’am, tell me what happened? You’re scaring me with his silence and aloofness.

– Irreparable happened! "said the girl.

Jesse sighed and walked over to the cupboard and took the ointment of wild herbs, carefully prepared, rustic old wife is a Gypsy. The lady’s maid gently struck liquid, foul—smelling medicine on Arabella’s cheek. French woman suddenly exclaimed. This pain led her out of the shock. Just now young beauty felt a chin dripping crimson, like rose buds, a drop of blood.

– Mademoiselle, – asked the mistress English: – Your wound may again start bleeding. And it is unlikely that this ointment will have the desired effect. It might be better to fetch the healer? Let’s examine, properly washed, will impose seams.

– No, not necessary. I don’t want anyone to know about this… incident. According to the Palace gossip spread faster than the autumn wind. You have to be silent. Understand?

Arabella spoke these words strongly and firmly. Hearing common speech of his lady, the servant girl smiled: – something else?

– I’m tired. Help me go to sleep, "ordered the Parisian, adjusting the folds of the lace negligee.

Blue-eyed girl, placing Arabella in bed and extinguish the lamp, departed quietly.

When the door closed behind the maid, the young woman began to sob again. When lady’s maid she didn’t want to show weakness, but now the French woman was alone, alone with my tears and grief.

Jesse, making sure that Mademoiselle was asleep, decided to investigate Signor, Mocenigo. The maid knew that such a skilled schemer, as chief Advisor, known to all the blazing passion in the Palace.

The maid briskly walked in the dark corridors. Everywhere was dim, only near the blue salon, where he was a Cabinet Minister and important government officials, was burning a small flame. Its dim flame shimmered shades of red blood and the hot sun. The maid frantically clutched in a trembling hand the candle. Night gallery seemed frightening, impenetrable maze. Despite desperate bravery, the girl exclaimed, seeing a shadow moving near the wall. It was rumored that at night the Palace man penetrates, hunting for one of honor, once tarnished his honor. Jessie shuddered when she remembered that recently in the Laundry room was found murdered woman, maid of honor, Madame de Rua. She said that a few years ago at the behest of the eldest brother married a cruel and ruthless count who abused her, screamed, belittled, even beaten. Unable to withstand the violence of Madame de Rua decided to go, so in love with her groom. The fugitives soon found that the boy was killed, and the woman managed to escape in the French court. But that didn’t stop the enraged, insulted the man and he began to retaliate. Anyone who got in his way, fell with a slit throat.

Maid extinguished the candle, and pressed his whole body against the wall, hoping her wouldn’t notice. But instead shadows seemed even—contoured silhouette, clearly belonged to the man: broad shoulders, oval face, small beard. Jesse closed his mouth, quietly whispered: «Oh, Holy virgin, protect me». The man was coming closer and closer. Hearing his breath, the young woman screamed. But…it was only Mr. Mocenigo.

– You?! – did not keep the exclamation English.

– What are you doing here at midnight? – rudely asked the gentleman.

– Your Excellency, I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize You, "hastily curtsied maid.

– Why at such a time you’re wandering around the corridors? Haven’t you heard the stories about the ruthless killer, prowling here in search of a rebellious wife? Want to become a victim? And who now with Mademoiselle de Frase? How dare you leave her alone?

– I wanted to see You, my Lord. Don’t worry, how could I leave my lady? With MS now Fitness.

– I listen to what you need?

– Sir, the last time miss Arabella was continually sad, thinking that his Majesty had changed her. Then they met in the garden. After hearing the speech of the poor ladies, the king asked her to come to him tonight, but then came the footman, and said that the sire changed his mind and does not want to see their favorite. This really angered my lady. She rushed off, most likely in the chambers of the Lord. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen. For a long time it was not. I got worried and went looking. Mademoiselle was sitting on the floor in the gallery in tears and blood… What happened to her? Did the king still struck Arabella is such a horrible, vile attack? Yes how dare he play the feelings of an innocent girl? – Jesse spoke, not watching their threat, treacherous words. The maid had no right to even have a bad word to say about his sovereign, and if these speeches were heard by someone else, then it would be a stupid head flew to the scaffold steps.

The Advisor listened carefully to his companion, but when he had finished, the man threw her to the wall, clutching her throat, through clenched teeth: – who are You, woman, to condemn the decision of the Emperor himself?! You can’t even think, dishonorable slave!

The frightened maid was trembling. Her eyes filled with tears of fear. Hand the lady clutched her throat with such force that it was hard to breathe: I’m not guilty…, " the voice of a servant shuddered.

Suddenly, Jessie and the nobleman fell silent. They looked at each other with a strange passion. The maid touched ALGID fingers of the palm, Mocenigo. A friend of the king bent over the girl and their lips connected in a searing kiss. Jesse closed his eyes. Now it seemed to her that the stars are falling from the skies, and nice cool wind wraps around the whole body. The young woman felt his breath, his hot lips and eyes. But it’s a love daze lasted only a moment. The maid freed from the sudden embrace, she ran down the hall to his room. Closing the latch on the door, an Englishwoman, breathing heavily, walked over to the mirror. Now she looked worried and scared. Always pale cheeks flamed red color, the eyes glowed with playful lights. Jesse didn’t understand what was happening to her: his heart heaved, his forehead a cold sweat. Why Mr. Mocenigo kissed her? He then felt a slight tug, or a true feeling? The maid admired the chief counselor to the French court for a long time, but now she felt something else – love. But like her usual maid of lower birth could rely on the attention of the most influential schemer Paris?

A dream girl heard a quiet moaning. Getting up from the bed, Jesse came out of his room and walked over to the bed mistress. Arabella, squirming in bed, moaned softly. Leaning over the lady, the maid whispered, trying to reassure her: «Hush, my lady, calm down. It’s all good.

But the young woman continued to mumble slurred speech. From her lips escaped the words:– Louis… darling… don’t leave me…, Madame screeched awake. Panting, she looked around: – What’s wrong with me? Where am I?

– All right. You had a nightmare.

Arabella leaned back on the silk pillows. – Bring me some water.

The maid, by submitting a glass, sat down beside me. After a few SIPS, young mistress, he set his Cup on the crystal table.

The sight of the girl stiffened, and his face became deadly pale.

– Mademoiselle, You are bad. I’ll call the doctor, "hastily decided English.

The daughter of the Duke, seizing the maid by the hand, replied sternly: «No, it is not necessary to call the doctor. I just had a horrible dream, "Arabella, never saying a word, got out of bed and headed for the door.

– Where are You, lady? – frightened maid.

I will go out in the garden.

– But now the night – puzzled said Jesse.

– So what? – Arabella, opening the door wide open, went down the stairs. Walking through the passages of the Palace, she went to the garden, separated by glass door. Opening the shutters, she went out to the patio ladies of the manor.

On the street «there was» a deep, impenetrable night. A huge moon, like a white, sparkling ball, filled his moon face of the sky. In the garden was not dark, even despite the fact that there were no burning torches or oil lamps. Yellowed leaves circling in a whirlwind of ruthless, icy wind. Early autumn seemed not beautiful, but harsh and cold.

Arabella motioned Jesse standing in the doorway, to leave.

– But, Madam, You freeze.

– To immediately leave me alone! Get out of here! – shouted a young woman.

Bowing, the maid rushed out.

The daughter of the Duke, falling on the marble bench, summed up his eyes to heaven. Bright star, like a fiery arrow, and disappeared over the horizon. At this time, from the lips of Arabella blurted out the words: – I will not rest until revenge on those who made me suffer…

Early in the morning when everything is still asleep, a lady’s maid was quietly embroidering in the alcove of the window. Suddenly appeared in the doorway personal maid Advisor: Jessie Higgins, wishes to see You, his grace Mr. Mocenigo, – notified it.

The maid, turning pale, went to the girl, "Me? What you need sir is the counselor?

– I do not know. But You have to come to him immediately.

– I can’t leave Mademoiselle de Frase itself. Fitness and went to the port to the dying father, "protested the maid.

– Don’t worry. Until Your return I’ll stay with mistress. Yes and she is asleep.

Nodding, the English lady took from a chest made of ivory, a veil and covered her hair. According to the laws of decency, woman, before meeting a man for the position above it, was hiding her hair under a cloak. Only a married lady, aged more than forty years, could not cover the head.

French yard was huge and consisted of several castles. In one of these palaces lived the ladies of the court, concubines, ladies-in-waiting and maids. Of course, the Queen was his estate, separated by corridors. In another castle was located advisers, ambassadors and all the men of the Royal court. And the possession of the king were everywhere. He also had his Palace, but most often was in the men’s yard. To get there, needed to pass all the estate.

Every step Jesse was constrained and the cowardly. Her movements were present timidity. Inside, everything was burning. This feeling seemed like a lovely girl, but nasty. Pulses were beating in his heart escaped from the breast, the whole body trembling like a leaf in the wind. The maid was now in a daze unusual, even though he knew that her lover, Mocenigo can punish. But even a death sentence from the lips of the noble English woman seemed sweet and unforgettable. A whirlwind of feelings prevailed mind and confidence. Anyway, the maid couldn’t forget the passionate kiss, beautiful, love. Jesse suddenly caught myself thinking that I’d give everything for one such touch.

Deeply immersed in their dreams, the maid did not notice how came to the study adviser. Now she had to knock and with a bow to enter the chambers of the Lord. But the place of this young girl, yielding to love the Vice, it went into a niche of the wall, and without knocking came in front of the Signor. He looked at the strange newcomer. But in his simple view was no surprise, no love, no anger, only indifference.

– Jesse – a little rough voice, Mocenigo brought the maid from the meditation.

– Your Excellency, I’m sorry, I was thinking, bowed in reverence the young maid.

«Hello, Jesse,» the Italian said in a calm tone, as if between them nothing happened last night.

– Sir, You wished to see me.

The nobleman stood up from the table, made from mahogany, and walked over to the maid: «Young lady, I would like to talk to You on a very important subject, – the face of the EA was so close to Jesse that the young woman closed her eyes, imagining how Mocenigo, takes her in his arms. Now she wanted again to feel that great feeling.

Jessie, moonlight, do not dream of what will never be.

A shiver ran over the body of an English woman. She shyly lifted up his gray eyes. – What are You?

– Do not pretend you do not understand what I’m talking about, girl. That kiss didn’t mean anything. It was only a gust. But You made a very big mistake. And for each mistake you need to be able to pay. And for your You’ll pay too.

– … What should I do? You’ll kill me? – not even fear, but a surprise has struck the heart of Jesse.

Signor, smiling, took the maid by the hand and led him to the window. His touch was not gentle, but the lady’s maid dreamed that this moment lasted an eternity.

– See? «asked the gentleman, pointing to the Bank of the river Seine.

Jesse cried. Ugly sight appeared before her eyes…

The sight of a maid was chained to the coast, where two strong men dressed in the garb of cops, dragged over the rocks woman. From the mouth of the unfortunate tried to escape the terrible screaming. The poor thing was down to the river and put him on his knees. As if she had not escaped, two strangers threw her on the neck with silk cord and tightened it up. After a few minutes the woman was already dead. Her lifeless body was put in a bag and thrown into the cold waters of the Seine.

From the mouth of a lady’s maid once again cry, but this time he’s muffled and quiet. From what I have seen of nightmare from an English girl felt dizzy, dark eyes. As she staggered, she raised her gaze to the nobleman: – why kill her?

– This girl was a highly respected special, the daughter of a Norman nobleman. The last years she lived at court, and was engaged with the count Bekinski. Once in the hallway the maid saw her in the arms of the Viscount of Anjou, my best friend. That is what the poor thing was executed, strangled and drowned in the water.

– What happened with the Viscount?

– He was sent into exile in Milan. From now on, there he is in the estate of Risoy.

– Why did You call me? – the tears gushed from his eyes, Jesse.

– I wanted You to look like ladies punish the guilty.

The young woman’s lips twisted in a sarcastic smile: – And You kill me so naturally, like just did that the heartless gendarmes?

– It was not me, and the king. And on Your m the shame will be known all over France. I will be nothing. I am the chief Advisor of our master, I – man, You’re just a pathetic woman, "Mr. ran her hand across the cheek of the maid.

Mocenigo, spoke these words threateningly and viciously. From his words, gaze and touch, she felt fear. With downcast eyes, she depressed voice said: – What do You want from me?

– Jesse, my moonlight, you know you’re about to get a penalty, maybe a link, or marriage. Are you ready for it?

– I’ll do anything you want. Just please, don’t tell anyone about this shame – whatever it was, the British feared for his life.

«That’s better, – a nobleman squeezed the wrist Jesse with such force that she cried. «Now listen to me carefully, girl. Miss Arabella trusts you fully. You know all its mysteries and secrets. Now you’re going to follow her every move and report to me.

Jesse froze. In her eyes there were tears shining: – what do You take me: a traitor or a spy? I’ll never spy on his mistress!

– Jesse, if you forgot, I’m not only a loyal friend, my lady, but also a subject of our king. Now she’s in a terrible condition and I fear that in anger she might commit some mistake. I want to know about every act, to prevent trouble. If you disagree, then you expect a penalty.

The young woman meekly nodded, trying to smile in agreement. But inside raged a storm. Grey eyes were blank and bottomless.

– Your smile is a sign of consent?

Jesse closed his eyes, trying to hold back tears: – I do not have the right to oppose Your instructions, my Lord.

Signor, leaning close to the girl, he ran his fingers over her cheek. – But be careful. At every step You can trap the trap.

– I understood everything. Don’t worry. I… I will be loyal to You until the end of his days. Do not doubt my loyalty to You, sir.

Hearing desirable, the Advisor nodded at the door, ordering the maid to leave the bedchamber. Quickly bowing, Jesse hurried off. In the eyes of she «stood» tears, heart unpleasantly pricked. The maid had a feeling like she needs to betray the whole world. Now she was between two fires. All the way the lady’s maid, with downcast eyes, pressed her hands to his chest…